The data treatment influence on the spectra decomposition in positron lifetime spectroscopy Part 2: The effect of source corrections

We investigate the reliability and self-consistency of source corrections in positron lifetime spectroscopy using a 22Na e+-emitter covered by thin metal foils. Furthermore, we study the influence of different source corrections on the decomposability of positron lifetime spectra. In positron lifetime spectroscopy, examining metals and semiconductors, we find that it is possible to obtain consistent source corrections for a broad variety of sample materials. The experimental results were verified by Monte-Carlo simulations of corresponding spectra. In the case that only one instead of two identical samples is available, e.g. in non-destructive testing geometry, it is important which material is used to cover the backside of the source. We find differences in the stability of the decomposition of lifetime spectra if one uses reference materials with longer or shorter bulk lifetime as cover.