Electron polarization phenomena in non-resonant two-photon ionization of unpolarized atoms by unpolarized light

Abstract

We report a calculation showing that it is possible to obtain polarized electrons in non-resonant two-photon ionization of unpolarized caesium atoms when unpolarized light is used. As theoretical framework we use the density operator formalism expressed with the quantum defect and Green function methods. The photoelectron polarization vector P is perpendicular to the reaction plane. Its magnitude reaches the value 46% close to the 7P1 2 resonance at θk = 5π 32. © 1986.