The Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon equations for a massive spinning test particle
in plane gravitational waves are analysed and explicit solutions constructed in
terms of solutions of certain linear ordinary differential equations. For
harmonic waves this system reduces to a single equation of Mathieu-Hill type.
In this case spinning particles may exhibit parametric excitation by
gravitational fields. For a spinning test particle scattered by a gravitational
wave pulse, the final energy-momentum of the particle may be related to the
width, height, polarisation of the wave and spin orientation of the particle.Comment: 11 page