Relativistic Quantum Dynamics of Twisted Electron Beams in Arbitrary Electric and Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Relativistic quantum dynamics of twisted (vortex) Dirac particles in arbitrary electric and magnetic fields are constructed for the first time. This allows us to change the controversial contemporary situation when the nonrelativistic approximation is used for relativistic twisted electrons. The relativistic Hamiltonian and equations of motion in the Foldy-Wouthuysen representation are derived. A critical experiment for a verification of the results obtained is proposed. The new important effect of a radiative orbital polarization of a twisted electron beam in a magnetic field resulting in a nonzero average projection of the intrinsic orbital angular momentum on the field direction is predicted.