Spin asymmetries in elastic and inelastic scattering from rubidium

Experimental and theoretical results are presented for the A2spin asymmetry for elastic and inelastic scattering of spin-polarized electrons from rubidium, at incident electron energies of 15, 20, 30, 50 and 80 eV. Theoretical calculations are performed within a semi-relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix (close-coupling) model. The experimental data reveal significant asymmetries at all energies. The experimental results are reasonably well described by the present theoretical calculations and by other calculations using a relativistic distorted-wave approach, and provide a clear relativistic signature.