Positron lifetime components
positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS)
Characterise positron lifetime components, vacancy-type defect or free-volume signatures, and relative defect concentration and depth trends using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£600 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 10 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- AMETEK PLS-SYSTEM
- Typical outputs
- Lifetime spectrum or Doppler parametersFitted lifetime componentsComparative defect interpretationProcessed spectra
Why this service
What PALS can help you understand
Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on positron lifetime components, vacancy-type defect or free-volume signatures, or relative defect…
Vacancy-type defect or free-volume signatures
Doppler broadening
Relative defect concentration and depth trends
variable-energy depth profiling
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
positron lifetime components
- Best used when
- positron lifetime components
- Typical result
- Lifetime spectrum or Doppler parameters
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Doppler broadening
vacancy-type defect or free-volume signatures
- Best used when
- vacancy-type defect or free-volume signatures
- Typical result
- Fitted lifetime components
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Variable-energy depth profiling
relative defect concentration and depth trends
- Best used when
- relative defect concentration and depth trends
- Typical result
- Comparative defect interpretation
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Lifetime spectrum or Doppler parameters reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Fitted lifetime components supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Comparative defect interpretation provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Example results
What PALS results can look like
The plot shows variable energy positron lifetime measurements. a Markovian positron implantation depth profiles, the mean implantation.
David J. Keeble et al. · source · CC BY
The plot shows experimental positron lifetime spectra. Also showing the deconvolution fit components.
David J. Keeble et al. · source · CC BYSample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy?
Provide test coupon / specimen, device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For positron lifetime components, start with positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy; add Doppler broadening when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 10 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Defect assignments are model-dependent and often non-unique. Quantification benefits from reference samples or complementary microscopy/diffraction.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope PALS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth