The positron two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radia
tion (2D-ACAR) technique has been coupled with optical excitation to s
tudy the native point defects in semi-insulating GaAs. The As vacancy
was observed below similar to 170 K when illuminated with 1.41+/-0.07
eV photons. The temperature dependence of the 2D-ACAR spectra, with an
d without illumination, was studied. Data were also collected at 25 K
as a function of the intensity of infrared light. The 2D-ACAR spectra
reflect the e(+)-e(-) pair momentum distribution at or near the vacanc
y and provides symmetry and electronic structure information, which ca
n be used as a unique defect signature for the vacancy.