Spin-dependent effects in elastic and inelastic low-energy electron scattering from sodium atoms

Abstract

Results of an R-matrix (close-coupling) calculation, including explicitly spin-dependent effects such as the spin-orbit interaction, are compared with those obtained from the 'standard approach; where such effects are neglected. Hence, for the first time, the importance of the relativistic effects is estimated quantitatively for the electron-sodium scattering system. The agreement between the two calculations is very good if both the initial and final projectile energies are large compared with the relevant fine-structure splittings. Experimental evidence about the importance of explicitly spin-dependent forces for this system is confirmed.