Positron Scattering on Atoms and Molecules in the Limit of Low Energy

Starting from experimental cross-sections for positron scattering in argon and nitrogen, we examine different energy ranges. In the zero-energy limit the cross-section falls with energy and can be described by modified effective range theory for polarization potential. In a few eV range the cross-sections are constant vs. energy. As far as it is possible to force the elastic scattering phase shifts in a way that both experimental differential cross-sections are reproduced and the total cross-section remains constant in energy, such a model lacks the physical justification. Only the virtual-positronium model, developed recently by Gribakin, reproduces a constant dependence of the total cross section in a few eV energy range.