Abstract
We demonstrate that spin-orbit coupled states are generated in neutral magnetic spin 1/2 particles travelling through an electric field. The quantization axis of the orbital angular momentum is parallel to the electric field, hence both longitudinal and transverse orbital angular momentum can be created. Furthermore we show that the total angular momentum of the particle is conserved. Finally we propose a neutron optical experiment to measure the transverse effect.
Highlights
Intrinsic orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been observed in free photons [1,2,3] and electrons [4,5,6]
It has been demonstrated that magnetic quadrupoles can generate spin-orbit states in neutral spin-1/2 particles [10,11]
In this paper we propose a method by which intrinsic spinorbit states can be generated in an arbitrarily collimated beam of neutral spin-1/2 particles
Summary
Intrinsic orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been observed in free photons [1,2,3] and electrons [4,5,6]. Extrinsic OAM states have been observed in neutrons, using spiral phase plates [7] and magnetic gradients [8] In the latter case spin-orbit coupled states are generated [9]. In this paper we propose a method by which intrinsic spinorbit states can be generated in an arbitrarily collimated beam of neutral spin-1/2 particles This removes flux limitations and allows for the construction of spin-orbit optical equipment for neutrons. We show that a static homogeneous electric field polarized along the direction of particle propagation induces longitudinal spin-orbit states, while a transversely polarized electric field generates transverse spin-orbit states The latter type of OAM has not yet been observed in massive free particles. To date no tests for OAM have been conducted
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