Positronium atom scattering by H₂ in a coupled-channel framework

The scattering of ortho positronium (Ps) by H$_2$ has been investigated using a three-Ps-state [Ps(1s,2s,2p)H$_2($X $^1\Sigma_g^+$)] coupled-channel model and using Born approximation for higher excitations and ionization of Ps and B $^1\Sigma_u^+$ and b $^3\Sigma_u^+$ excitations of H$_2$. We employ a recently proposed time-reversal-symmetric nonlocal electron-exchange model potential. We present a calculational scheme for solving the body-frame fixed-nuclei coupled-channel scattering equations for Ps-H$_2$, which simplifies the numerical solution technique considerably. Ps ionization is found to have the leading contribution to target-elastic and all target-inelastic processes. The total cross sections at low and medium energies are in good agreement with experiment.