Abstract
The preferential population of magnetic quantum levels of atomic states produced in beam-foil collisions is explained using a density-matrix formulation. The density matrix for the beam in the interior of the foil is evolved in time to obtain the density matrix after emergence from the foil. The dependence upon tilt angle of the foil relative to the beam is calculated. The Stokes parameters of the light emitted by decay of the atomic state are given in terms of the density matrix. Formulas which are valid for arbitrary angular momentum of the atomic state are derived. Comparison with experiment shows good agreement with data.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2061-2069 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Physical Review A |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 1976 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics