Mean Lives of Positrons in Oxidizing Solutions

Mean lives of positrons have been measured in aqueous chloride solutions, in an attempt to detect oxidation of positronium (Ps) by positive ions. The variation of mean life with concentration and with oxidation potential of the positive ion shows that Ps is oxidized by solutions of Sn${\mathrm{Cl}}_4$ and Hg${\mathrm{Cl}}_2$, but not by HCl or solutions of ions with lower oxidation potentials. These results indicate that the process is quite similar to the ordinary chemical oxidation process.