Low Energy Cross-Sections for Positron Interactions with Cyclic Hydrocarbons

We report total cross-section measurements for positron scattering on cyclic hydrocarbons: benzene, aniline, and cyclohexane. Measurements were done by an absolute transition method in the energy range 1.5-20 eV (0.4-20 eV for cyclohexane). High cross-sections for all measured molecules were observed at low energies. In the case of cyclohexane the cross-section in the zero energy limit tends to a constant value. In aniline a weakly accented peak slightly above the positronium formation threshold is observed. Similar but less visible bump was observed in the case of benzene. Measurement of total cross-sections in nitrogen and argon used for calibration of the apparatus are also presented