Graduate text/monograph on polarization, alignment, and orientation effects in atomic collisions, induced by electron or heavy particle impact. The first part of the book presents introductory chapters on light and particle polarization, experimenatal and computational methods, and the density matrix and state multipole formalism. Examples and exercises are included. The second part of the book includes case studies of electron impact and heavy particle excitation, electron transfer, impact ionization and autoionization. Last chapter discusses related topics and applications. The book will include ssome selected seminal papers from the early history of the field of tutorial value. The book is intended as an introductory text for both experimental and theoretical students and researchers. It can be used as a textbook for graduate courses, as a primary source for special topics and seminar courses, and as a standard reference.

Foreword by: J. Kessler