Relativistic distorted-wave calculation of the excitation of the3D3state of heavy noble gases

Recent measurements have been made of the integrated Stokes parameters for the light emitted following the excitation of the np 5 (n+1)p(5/2) 3 ( 3 D 3 ) state of the noble gases by spin-polarized electrons. These measurements give direct information on the spin-orbit coupling effects on the scattered electron. Hence it is of considerable interest to compare these data with the results of a completely relativistic distorted-wave treatment of these collisions which includes the relativistic interactions of the scattered electron to all orders. Results in this approximation are presented for the excitation of argon, krypton and xenon.