Abstract
We present a design for a spin-exchange optical pumping system to produce large quantities of highly polarized . Low xenon concentrations in the flowing gas mixture allow the laser to maintain high Rb polarization. The large spin-exchange rate between Rb and through the long-lived van der Waals molecules at low pressure, combined with a high flow rate, results in large production rates of hyperpolarized xenon. We report a maximum polarization of 64% achieved for a Xe flow rate, and maximum magnetization output of at 22% polarization. Our findings regarding the polarization dependence on temperature, nitrogen partial pressure, and gas mixture flow velocity are also reported.
- Received 24 August 2005
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.053002
©2006 American Physical Society