Emission of radiation from atoms colliding with particles polarized by a laser field

A theoretical analysis is made of the polarization of atomic states (inhomogeneous distribution over magnetic sublevels) induced by collisions with particles polarized by a laser field. The transfer of polarization may be observed by investigating the polarization of the spontaneous radiation emitted from atoms. The polarization tensor of such spontaneous radiation is calculated. A close relationship between the components of this tensor and the characteristics of an elementary scattering event is established.