A density matrix formulation of atomic excitation by electron impact is given and applied to electron-photon coincidence experiments. Conditions are discussed under which coherent excitation can be expected.
The density matrix parametrization of collisionally excited atomic ensembles is generalized to account for a projectile spin. The elements are related to the ``generalized Stokes parameters'' of Andersen and Bartschat [J. Phys. B 27, 3189 (1994)], determined in scattered-projectile--polarized-photon coincidence experiments after impact excitation by spin-polarized electrons. The well-established orientation propensity rule for unpolarized electron beam experiments is not valid for spin-resolved collisions.
The description of alignment and orientation for collisional excitation of atomic states by electron and heavy-particle impact, including electron transfer processes, is reviewed. For D states, a new parametrization of the excited atomic ensemble is proposed, and the density matrices describing the excited target state and the light emitted in a subsequent optical decay are expressed in terms of the new parameter set. Recipes for performing complete experiments through scattered-particle - multiple-photon coincidence set-ups are discussed. Because of the difficulties associated with such experiments, attention is also given to the generally incomplete case of scattered-particle - one-photon coincidence arrangements. For D-state excitation, it is demonstrated how the new set of parameters allows for a systematic description of the collision process, and provides opportunities for consistency checks.
The density matrix parametrisation of collisionally excited atomic ensembles is generalised to account for projectile and target spin polarisations. The density matrix elements, containing spin-resolved alignment and orientation parameters, can be determined by measurements of the 'generalised Stokes parameters' introduced by Andersen and Bartschat (1994) to describe scattered-projectile-polarised-photon coincidence experiments. Focusing on electron impact excitation of light alkali-type targets and mercury, the present experimental status of such experiments is reviewed, in particular with regard to the 'perfect scattering experiment' whereby all independent scattering amplitudes are determined.