Polarized Electron Physics

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE

Investigators

Abstract

This project involves the study of polarized electron collisions with chiral molecules and heavy noble gas atoms. The proposed experiments address basic physics questions about the dynamics of electron-molecule and electron-atom scattering, particularly with regard to electron-spin-dependent effects. For example, one experiment involves examining how molecular chirality influences scattering dynamics in electron-molecule collisions. The work also provides important information for applications requiring knowledge of electron-molecule and electron-atom scattering cross sections. Finally, improved sources of polarized electrons will be developed, with the goal of providing a "turnkey" polarized beam for general applications.