Positron annihilation in methane gas

The annihilation of positrons in methane gas at room temperature has been measured at pressures below 2 atm. The annihilation rate for the free positron component is proportional to the gas density and corresponds to an effective number of electrons per molecule taking part in annihilation, Zeff = 139.6 ± 1.0 (standard error). The quenching of orthopositronium corresponds to 1Zeff = 0.57 ± 0.07. Resonance annihilation is discussed in a general way.