MOTT ELECTRON POLARIMETRY

Electron spin polarization analysis adds a valuable dimension to studies involving synchrotron radiation. Electron polarimeters based on Mott scattering are particularly attractive for use in this application because they provide good efficiency and analyzing power, they are relatively simple to implement experimentally and the physical basis of their operation is well understood. A number of different Mott polarimeter designs are described that illustrate the wide range of operating energies (approximately 150 eV to 150 keV) and geometries that can be used in such instruments. Potential sources of systematic error that can limit measurement accuracies are addressed together with techniques for polarimeter calibration.