Resonance Features and Fine-Structure Effect in the Asymmetry of Polarized Electrons Scattered Inelastically from Mercury Atoms

The energy dependence of the asymmetry in inelastic scattering of polarized electrons by Hg atoms (excitation of the 6³P₁, 6³P₂, and 6¹P₁ states) has been studied for a scattering angle of 90^∘{} and collision energies between the threshold energies and 22 eV. Structures in the measured asymmetry have been found which are due to formation of negative-ion states. Evidence has been found that interference between exchange and fine-structure interaction also causes a scattering asymmetry.