Electron dynamics in parallel electric and magnetic fields

Abstract

We examine the spatial distribution of electrons generated by a fixed energy point source in uniform, parallel electric, and magnetic fields. This problem is simple enough to permit analytic quantum and semiclassical solution, and it harbors a rich set of features which find their interpretation in the unusual and interesting properties of the classical motion of the electrons: For instance, the number of interfering trajectories can be adjusted in this system, and the turning surfaces of classical motion contain a complex array of singularities. We perform a comprehensive analysis of the semiclassical approximation and compare it to the quantum solution, and we make predictions that should serve as a guide for future photodetachment experiments.