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A. Jones, Dr. W.M. Baker, R. Staton (Dept. of Physics, Furman Univ.)
The physics of particle motion in a Kerr geometry has been extensively studied. The case of motion of particles with spin is not as well investigated. We have studied the case of the motion of a spinning particle by applying the Papapetrou equation, which includes a spin-curvature coupling term, and an equation that describes the evolution of the spin of the particle. The motion is considered for a Kerr geometry in the weak field limit. We have obtained numerical solutions to this system of equations. Our results suggest that spin orientation is important for particle trajectories in a manner that is similar to the Stern-Gerlach effect. This could be important for the study of the motion of very low mass neutrinos.
Project funded by a grant from the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Furman Advantage Program.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: aaron.jones@furman.edu