Anisotropic hyperfine interactions limit the efficiency of spin-exchange optical pumping of He3 nuclei

We use accurate ab initio and quantum scattering calculations to demonstrate that the maximum He3 spin polarization that can be achieved in spin-exchange collisions with potassium (K39) and silver (Ag107) atoms is limited by the anisotropic hyperfine interaction. We find that spin exchange in Ag-He collisions occurs much faster than in K-He collisions over a wide range of temperatures (10-600 K). Our analysis indicates that measurements of trap loss rates of S2 atoms in the presence of cold He3 gas may be used to probe anisotropic spin-dependent interactions in atom-He collisions. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Duke Scholars

Author Peng Zhang Chemistry