Characterization of Atomic Defects and Their Aggregates Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Positrons localize in trapped states at a variety of defect sites in solids, from which they subsequently annihilate with unique observable characteristics. As such, the positron is a valuable probe for the study of these defects. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) has made significant contributions in recent years to the determination of atomic defect properties in metals and alloys, and in molecular solids as well. It has also been used extensively in the monitoring and characterization of vacancy-like microstructure development, as occurs during post-irradiation annealing. The characterization of defects using PAS is selectively reviewed and some possibilities for using the positron as a localized probe of the atomic and electronic structure of atomic defects and their aggregates are discussed.