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Spin-orbit interaction of the continuum electrons in relativistic ([ital e],2[ital e]) measurements

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters; (United States)
; ;  [1]
  1. Physikalisches Institut der Universitaet Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen (Germany)
Using a transversely polarized electron beam a relativistic ([ital e],2[ital e]) experiment has been performed to look for a spin up-down asymmetry in the electron-impact ionization process caused by the spin-orbit interaction of the continuum electrons in the Coulomb field of the atomic nucleus. An incident energy of 300 keV, coplanar asymmetric kinematics, and the [ital K] shell of silver ([ital Z]=47) have been used. We found a distinct spin asymmetry in the recoil peak (up to 16%), whereas in the binary peak the asymmetry is close to zero. This feature is confirmed by theoretical calculations, but quantitatively the agreement is poor.
OSTI ID:
6637310
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; (United States) Vol. 74:2; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English