Positron binding to a model alkali atom

The fixed core stochastic variational method is used to investigate positro n binding to a model alkali atom with a continuously adjustable ionization potential. Positron binding is possible for model atoms which have ionizati on potential (IP) ranging from 0.1767 to 0.479 Hartree (corresponding to di pole polarizabilities ranging from 209 to 23.5 a(0)(3)) Results of the mode l indicate that positron binding is likely for gold, but not for potassium, rubidium or caesium. The annihilation rate was largest (1.97 x 10(9) s(-1) )when the IP is smallest and smallest (0.07 x 10(9) s(-1)) when the TP is l argest. The presence of a positronium (Ps) cluster configuration in the wav efunction is found to be important for an accurate estimate of the annihila tion rate even in circumstances when the positron and electron are located large distances apart.