Orientation propensities in spin-resolved electron-impact excitation of mercuryстатья
Статья опубликована в высокорейтинговом журнале
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Дата последнего поиска статьи во внешних источниках: 18 июля 2013 г.
Аннотация:The atomic orientation J(perpendicular to)(+) Hg (6s(2))S-1(0) –> (6s6p)P-3(1) is studied using the electron-photon coincidence technique. J(perpendicular to)(+) shows a significant dependence on the spin projection of the incident electrons. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions employing a semi-relativistic five-state R-matrix (close-coupling) description and the relativistic distorted-wave approximation. The experimental data show, in qualitative agreement with the calculations, that the well established orientation propensity rules for light atoms are apparently violated if the electron spin is initially down with respect to the scattering plane. The applicability of the propensity rules to electron-impact excitation of heavy atoms is analysed. The observed apparent violation is attributed to a quantum mechanical interference caused by ’intermediate coupling’ within the excited state. A re-evaluation of the data supports the validity of the orientation propensity rules.