Large electron polarization of H-like20Ne-ions traversing gd foils at very high velocities

It is shown that transient magnetic fields in Gd-host for²⁰Ne ions at a mean velocity of 12.5v₀(v₀=c/137), considerably beyond the Bohr velocity of 1s electrons of Ne ions (v_1s=10v₀), are dominated by the Fermi contact field of these electrons. The first excited 2⁺-state of²Ne was used as probe. The derived value for the mean degree of polarization p_1s=0.32(13), is surprisingly large, though still consistent with values obtained at lower velocities. Present calculations of spin exchange cross sections severely underestimate the observed polarization at this high velocity.The authors are grateful to the operating staff of the UNILAC for providing excellent beam conditions. They also thank Dr. P. Maier-Komor for preparing the delicate targets. Support by the BMFT is acknowledged.