Electron-polarized ${\mathrm{N}}^{4+}$ ions were produced via electron capture by a beam of ${\mathrm{N}}^{5+}$ ions in an optically pumped polarized sodium target. The polarization of the ions was detected by measuring the circular polarization of the N v 1s${\mathrm{}}^2$2s${\mathrm{}}^2$S–1s${\mathrm{}}^2$2p${\mathrm{}}^2$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.

• Received 8 November 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.64.1354