Relativistic multiconfiguration approach to the spin polarization of slow electrons elastically scattered from krypton

The elastic scattering of electrons from krypton atoms is calculated in a relativistic multiconfiguration method. The correlation effects responsible for target polarization are treated in a relativistic configuration-interaction scheme that allows for dynamic effects. Calculations of the spin polarization S at 5, 10, 15, and 20 eV are discussed and compared with experimental and other theoretical data. We also show spin-polarization trajectories that represent all three scattering parameters S, T, and U in a single computationally significant curve. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}