Polarized targets for atomic physics experiments with highly charged ions

We report the status of a polarized sodium beam target being developed in our laboratory. Electronic polarization is obtained by optical pumping with a single-mode ring-dye laser. Polarization close to 100% has been achieved for target thicknesses of 10 10 atoms cm 2 . The target will be used for atomic physics experiments at the Argonne PII ECR ion source. One of the goals is to produce beams of highly charged ions with significant electronic polarization. We also discuss plans to use a polarized hydrogen target for atomic physics experiments at the ATLAS heavy-ion accelerator.