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Fluorescence Polarization Of Atomic, Dissociated Atomic, And Molecular Transitions Induced By Spin-Polarized Electron Impact, Jack W. Maseberg

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Excitation of atoms by spin-polarized electron impact yields fluorescence that can generally exhibit both linear and circular polarization. For experiments where the scattered electrons are not detected, symmetry requires that the electron beam be spin polarized in order for non-zero circular polarization to be observed. Extensive theoretical and experimental investigations have been performed regarding fluorescence polarizations (Stokes parameters) resulting from spin-polarized electron impact excitation of atoms. Measurement of fluorescence polarization provides insight into the angular momentum coupling that exists in the atomic state of interest. It also enables the measurement of electron spin polarization and experimental benchmarking of theoretical atomic …