Electron-polarized N4+ ion beam formed by electron capture to N5+ in a polarized sodium target.

Abstract

Electron-polarized N{sup 4+} ions were produced via electron capture by a beam of N{sup 5+} ions in an optically pumped polarized sodium target. The polarization of the ions was detected by measuring the circular polarization of the N V 1{ital s} {sup 2}2{ital s} {sup 2}{ital S}--1{ital s} {sup 2}2{ital p} {sup 2}{ital P} (124 nm) transition taking place after the electron capture. These studies point to the feasibility of a general method for the production of polarized multicharged heavy-ion beams.