Polarized Electron Physics

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE

Investigators

Abstract

This project focuses on the study of polarized electron collisions with chiral, or handed molecules, simple diatomic molecules, and heavy noble gas atoms. The experiments address physics questions about the dynamics of electron-molecule and electron-atom scattering, particularly with regard to electron-spin-dependent effects and the collisional distribution of angular momentum. They also provide important information for applications requiring knowledge of electron-molecule and electron-atom scattering cross sections and the modeling of plasma processes. Improved sources of polarized electrons will also be developed. One of the goals of this work is to provide both research and industrial laboratories with turnkey polarized beams for use in, e.g., magnetic materials analysis. Broader impacts involve education of graduate, undergraduate and high school students as well as recruitment of under-represented groups and outreach to the community.