Polarized Light Emission after Grazing Ion-Surface Scattering Due to Capture of Spin-Polarized Electrons

Abstract

We have observed the capture of polarized electrons into excited terms of atoms after the interaction of fast ions with a magnetized Fe(110) surface at grazing incidence. The spin polarization of captured electrons results in a modified circular polarization fraction of fluorescence light. This experiment has considerable potential as a new analytical tool for investigating surface magnetism with extreme surface sensitivity, as a method for detailed studies of ion-surface interaction, and as a means to produce nuclear spin-polarized beams.