Polarized photoelectrons from converging vector waves

This paper investigates the spin characteristics of photoelectrons when hydrogen-like ions are centro-symmetrically irradiated with converging vector waves-a non-paraxial form of structured light. For a photon with given total angular momentum and third component thereof, photoelectrons with both helicities are obtained-in contrast to the fixed helicities produced by left- or right-circularly polarized light. The angular distribution of photoelectrons is broadly tunable through the radiation mode numbers, and opposite helicities can be extracted in synchronism.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the spin characteristics of photoelectrons when hydrogen-like ions are centro-symmetrically irradiated with non-paraxial structured light. Photoelectrons with different helicities can be obtained, in contrast to the fixed helicities produced by left- or right-circularly polarized light. The angular distribution of photoelectrons is widely adjustable through radiation mode numbers.