Motion of an Electron from a Point Source in Parallel Electric and Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Negative ions undergoing near-threshold photodetachment in a weak laser field provide an almost pointlike, isotropic source of low-energy electrons. External fields exert forces on the emitted coherent electron wave and direct its motion. Here, we examine the spatial distribution of photodetached electrons in uniform, parallel electric and magnetic fields. The interplay of the electric and magnetic forces leads to a surprising intricate shape of the refracted electron wave, and multiple interfering trajectories generate complex fringe patterns in the matter wave. The exact quantum solution is best understood in terms of the classical electron motion.