Springer Polarization and Correlation Phenomena in Atomic Collisions: A Practical Theory Course (Physics of Atoms and Molecules)

Polarization and Correlation Phenomena in Atomic Collisions: A Practical Theory Course bridges the gap between traditional courses in quantum mechanics and practical investigations. The authors' goal is to guide students in training their ability to perform theoretical calculations of polarization and correlation characteristics of various processes in atomic collisions. The book provides a concise description of the density matrix and statistical tensor formalism and presents a general approach to the description of angular correlation and polarization phenomena. It illustrates an application of the angular momentum technique to a broad variety of atomic processes. The book contains derivations of the most important expressions for observable quantities in electron-atom and ion-atom scattering, including that for polarized beams and/or polarized targets, in photo-induced processes, autoionization and cascades of atomic transitions. Spin-polarization and angular distributions of the reaction products are described, including the angular correlations in different types of coincidence measurements. The considered processes exemplify the general approach and the number of examples can be easily extended by a reader. The book supplies researchers, both theoreticians and experimentalists with a collection of helpful formulae and tables, and can serve as a reference book. Based on a highly regarded course at Moscow State University and elsewhere, the book provides real guidance on theoretical calculations of practical use. Review `It is rich with clear applications of density matrices and tensor operators, many of which are based on the extensive research of the authors and their many collaborators. This book is written in clear English and contains a number of neatly done figures illustrating important points. ...[this book] is a crisp, fresh look at a topic with a relatively broad application, containing numerous and clear examples from the field of atomic collisions and especially helpful mathematical summaries. Written by internationally recognized authorities in the field, it is useful as both a reference book and a textbook for graduate students. Let us welcome this fine addition to our bookshelves. ' Physics Today, April 2001