Linear Polarization of Photons Emitted from Excited Hydrogen Atoms Formed above Metal Surfaces

Abstract

This paper presents theoretical results for linear polarization of Lyman-α and Balmer-α emission following single electron capture by hydrogen nuclei to excited levels above Mo surfaces. The polarization degrees are evaluated for photons from the hydrogen atoms outgoing along surface normal with translation velocities of 0.05-1 au. In this geometry, the excited states are aligned with respect to the surface normal (quantization axis). Finite polarization degrees are obtained for electric-dipole photons emitted at right angle to the surface normal; the linear polarization preferentially along the surface plane at lower translation velocities turns to the surface normal at higher velocities.