Pair production with atomic-shell capture in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Probabilities and cross sections for the production of electron-positron pairs in relativistic heavy ion collisions are evaluated in the case for which the electron is captured in an atomic orbit in the projectile, or in the target. Analytical expressions are obtained, with help of which one may gain a useful insight into the characteristic features of the process. Such a process will also play a role in future relativistic heavy ion colliders since it changes the charge of the ions. The obtained formulas are expected to be very useful for the study of such phenomena. (author)