Because electrons act like Little bar magnets, when they are exposed to external magnetic fields they feel a magnetic torque. A mathematical operation called a "vector cross product" allows us to calculate the magnitude and direction of the torque felt by the individual electrons. The torque makes the spin vector rotate or precess in a plane perpendicular to magnetic field. The important thing about spin precession phenomena is it allows us to control the orientation of the spin vector, and point it any direction we want by applying a magnetic field.
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Electrons and Spin! What is Spin? Spin and Light! Spin Precession! Continue on for Spin Transport! Spin Populations! Spin Transistor! |