Optically Polarized He3

Published

December 1, 2017

Author(s)

Thomas R. Gentile, P.J. Nacher, B Saam, T G. Walker

Abstract

This article reviews the physics and technology of producing large quantities fo highly spin- polarized, or hyderpolarized, He3 nuclei using spin-exchange (SEOP) and metastability-exchange (MEOP) optical pumping, and surveys applications of polarized He3. Several recent developments are emphasized for each method. for SEOP, the use of spectral narrowed lasers and Rb/K mixtures has substantially increased the achievable polarization and polarizing rate. MEOP in high magnetic fields has like-wise significantly increased the pressure at which this method can e performed, and has led to the observation of a light-induced relaxation mechanism. In both methods the increased capabilities have led to more extensive study and modeling of the basic underlying physics. New unexplained dependence of relaxation on temperature and magnetic filed have been discovered in SEOP cells. Applications of both methods are also reviewed, including targets for charged particle and photon beams, neutron spin filters, magnetic resonance imaging, and precision measurements

Citation

Reviews of Modern Physics

Volume

89

Issue

045001

Pub Type

Journals

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DOI Link

Keywords

He3, hyperpolarized, spin-polarized

Citation

Gentile, T. , Nacher, P. , Saam, B. and Walker, T. (2017), Optically Polarized He3, Reviews of Modern Physics, [online], https://doi.org/10.1103/RevMedPhy.89.045004 (Accessed December 22, 2024)