Relativistic Stern-Gerlach Interaction in an RF Cavity

Abstract

The general expression of the Stern-Gerlach force is deduced for a relativistic spin-1/2 particle which travels inside a time varying magnetic field. This result was obtained either by means of two Lorentz boosts or starting from Dirac's equation. Then, the utilization of this interaction for attaining the spin states separation is reconsidered in a new example using a new radio-frequency arrangement.