A general expression for the excitation cross section of polarized atoms by polarized electrons

The general expression for excitation cross section of polarized atoms by polarized electrons is derived by using the methods of the theory of an atom adapted for polarization. The special cases of the general expression for the description of the angular distribution and alignment of excited atoms in the case of polarized and non-polarized atoms as well as the magnetic dichroism of the total excitation cross section of polarized atoms are obtained. The cross sections and alignment parameters for the excitation of the autoionizing states 2p$^5$3s$^2$ $^2$P$_{3/2}$ for Na and 3p$^5$4s$^2$ $^2$P$_{3/2}$ for K are calculated in distorted wave with exchange approximation.