Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics

Coherence, exchange and superelastic electron scattering from sodium

P. J. O. Teubner, Robert E Scholten

Published Jun 28, 1992• 15 citations

Abstract

A series of superelastic scattering experiments have been carried out on optically pumped sodium atoms in the 3 2 P 3/2 state. The total polarization P + has been observed at electron energies of 12.1 eV and 22.1 eV referred to the ground state, over a wide range of electron scattering angles. The connections between this parameter, the coherence of the excitation process, and exchange are discussed. Significant departures from P + =1 are observed. A qualitative explanation of this phenomenon is described which provides some insight into the collision process.

DOI: 10.1088/0953-4075/25/12/005

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