The matrix elements of the Born approximation theory of bremsstrahlung are resolved into sums of terms classified according to whether the radiation interacts with orbital or with spin currents and on the basis of additional spin effects which result from electron motion before and after the emission. Observable features of angular distribution, x-ray polarization, and spin orientation can be interpreted as effects of interference between the separate terms. The results are applicable to corresponding features of the photo-electric effect.

• Received 30 January 1959

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.116.1159