Polarized electron beams

A beam of electrons may have the spins of the individual electrons preferentially polarized in a specified direction. The resulting state of polarization of the electron beam is described by a polarization vector p. This polarization vector is affected in direction and magnitude by macroscopic electric and magnetic fields. The relevance of this to precise measurement of the electronic g-factor, end to the problems of handling polarized beams (as in accelerating systems), is discussed. Some spinsensitive interactions, and various methods of producing intense highly polarized electron beams, are described. In a final paragreph an outline is given of the mathematical formalism used in describing polarization phenomene.