On the Depolarization of Electrons by Multiple Scattering and Reflection-Transmission Effect

Abstract

In some experiments on the polarization of electrons, there is a discrepancy between their results and the theory. The effect of multiple scattering, as a depolarization factor, cannot explain the discrepancy as is shown by Rose and Bethe. As another cause of the discrepaney, the plural scattering, which is the combination of two rather large angle deflections in the same foil, is considered in some detail. Such a plural scattering gives rise to values of the so-called “reflection-transmission” effect agreeing with experimental results. It is shown that the negative experimental results obtained by Dymond, Thomson, and Richter can be accounted for, if this effect is taken into account.