Scattering of Polarized Electrons from Magnetic Materials

Abstract

Cross-section formulas for large-angle ($e,e$) and for coincidence ($e,2e$) scattering of fast electrons from gaseous and solid targets are derived. It is shown that the momentum and spin-density distribution of the bound electrons can be obtained from single ($e,e$) scattering of polarized electrons. It is also shown that the electronic spin- and energy-dependent momentum-density distribution can be obtained from ($e,2e$) scattering of polarized electrons. An ($e,2e$) experiment with unpolarized electrons gives the energy-dependent momentum distribution. A comparison is made with related methods, like Compton scattering, and the feasibility of the suggested experiments is discussed.