Fluorescence of polarized atoms excited by polarized electrons

A general expression for the cross section describing properties of the fluorescence radiation from polarized atoms excited by polarized electrons is obtained in the distorted wave (DW) approximation. The expression is presented in the form of multiple expansion over the state multipoles of all particles taking part in the two-step process. It is used to derive the alignment parameters of excited atom and angular distribution of emitted fluorescence. The polarization degree of radiation from the lowest autoionizing states np5(n+1)s22P3/2 following the excitation of non-polarized Na and K atoms by non-polarized electrons is calculated.