The Photodetachment of Ps ion and Low-Energy e(+) -H Collisions

Two calculations in the area of positron collisions are presented. The first is the calculation of the photodetachment cross section of the positronium negative ion (Ps-) using accurate variational wave functions for both the initial bound-state and the final P continuum state. The second is the calculation of partial wave cross sections for Ps(1s)-formation in ef -H(ls) collisions using the hyperspherical hidden crossing method. Since the S-wave Stiickelberg phase is close to pi, the very small S-wave Ps(1s) formation cross section can be understood in terms of destructive interference. Other examples in positron collisions are given where it is either known or expected that destructive interference is the cause of the small S-wave Ps(1s) formation cross section. In addition, examples are presented of processes in atomic physics where the Stiickelberg phase is a multiple of pi/2.