Asymmetry of bremsstrahlung by moderately relativistic polarized electrons

Abstract

The asymmetry of bremsstrahlung by transversely polarized electrons using Sommerfeld–Maue wave functions has been calculated. In order to simplify the final formula the relativistic approximation has been used. The results obtained show a linear dependence of the asymmetry on the atomic number Z for the range 4≤Z≤26. It is shown that the approach developed gives the zeroth asymmetry for ultrarelativistic energies as expected but for initial electron energies ∼5 MeV the asymmetry may achieve a magnitude ∼8% (for Z=26). Polarimetry of electrons with energy higher than 1 MeV (where conventional Mott polarimeters have large experimental difficulties) may be carried out using the bremsstrahlung process providing a reasonable asymmetry and high cross section.