Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
Can spin-polarized photoemission measure spin properties in condensed matter?
1Physik-Institut, Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland. osterwal@physik.uzh.ch
Abstract:
Photoemitted electrons move in a vacuum; their quantum state can be completely characterized in terms of energy, momentum and spin polarization by spin-polarized photoemission experiments. A review article in this issue by Heinzmann and Dil (2012 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 24 173001) considers whether the measured spin properties, i.e. the magnitude and direction of the spin polarization vector, can be traced back to the quantum state from which these electrons originate. The careful conclusion is that they can, which is highly relevant in view of the current interest in these experiments and their application to topological insulators, where the spin-orbit interaction produces spin-polarized surface states.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
The Pauli Exclusion Principle
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Population Distribution
NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Magnetic Moment

