Fundamental Processes In Energetic Atomic Collisions Volume 103 B

Fundamental Processes in Atomic Collision Physics

The Proceedings of the Advanced study Institute on Fundamental Processes in Atomic Collision Physics (Santa Flavia, Italy, September 10-21, 1984) are dedicated to the memory of Sir Harrie r-1assey, whose scientific achievements and life are reviewed herein by Sir David Bates. At the first School on the above topic (Maratea, September 1983, Volume 103 in this series), Harrie Massey presented the introductory lectures, summarized the entire lecture program, and presented an outlook on future developments in atomic collision physics. In an after-dinner speech, Massey recalled personal reminiscences and historical events with regard to atomic collision physics, to which he had contributed by initiating pioneering work and by stimulating and surveying this branch of physics over a period of almost six decades. Participants in the Maratea School will always remember Harrie Massey as a charming and wonderful person who was most pleased to discuss with everyone--students, postdoctorals, and senior scientists--any topic in atomic collision physics. Harrie Massey was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the 1984 Santa Flavia School. Before his death he expressed his interest in attending this second School devoted to the presentation of recent developments and highlights in atomic collision physics. It is the desire of all authors to honor Harrie Massey with their contributions in these Proceedings.

Fundamental Processes in Energetic Atomic Collisions (Volume 103/B).

Coherence in Atomic Collision Physics

During the last two decades the experimental investigation of atomic coherence phenomena has made rapid progress. Detailed studies have been performed of angular correlations, spin polarization effects, angular momen tum transfer, and the alignment parameters which characterize the charge cloud of excited atoms. The enormous growth in the number of these investigations was made possible through substantial development and application of new experimental technology, the development of sophisti cated theoretical models and numerical methods, and a fine interplay between theory and experiment. This interplay has resulted in a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms of atomic collision processes. It is the purpose of the chapters in this book to provide introductions for nonspecialists to the various fields of this area as well as to present new experimental and theoretical results and ideas. The interest in spin-dependent interactions in electron-atom scattering has a long history; it dates back to the early investigations of Mott in 1929. While the more traditional measurements in this field were concerned with the determination of spin polarization and asymmetries, the range of investi gations has been expanded enormously during the last few years and now includes many observables sensitive to one or more of the various spin dependent interactions. The understanding of these effects requires a theoretical description of the orientation and alignment parameters of the target atoms, of the forma tion of resonances, of the influence of electron-exchange processes, and of the relativistic interactions inside the atom and between projectile and target.