Electron-Photon Coincidence Studies In Collisions Of Polarized Electrons With Mercury Atoms

Electron-photon coincidences with initially polarized electrons have been measured for the first time. Results for linear and circular polarization components of the 254-nm line (Hg $6^{3}P_{1}\ensuremath{-}6^{1}S_{0}$ transition) are presented as a function of electron energy for electrons which are scattered inelastically ($6^{3}P_{1}$ excitation) in the forward direction. The analysis of these polarization components allows one to determine the role of spin-dependent interactions during collision as well as to determine the relative phase of the two scattering amplitudes involved.