Laser-induced nuclear orientation
Abstract
Laser optical pumping experiments in sodium led to the discovery of three previously unrecognized effects: reduced saturation thresholds (compared to that expected in the absence of optical pumping); anomalous spectral structure; and extremely narrow features inside the natural linewidth. It was demonstrated that optical pumping using a single mode dye laser of a cell of sodium vapor with small traces ( 1 torr) of buffer gas can polarize the sodium nuclei over the entire Doppler profile. Complete polarization was achieved with laser intensities approx. 200 mW/sq cm with 1 torr of argon gas. These results are important for the preparation of polarized sources and targets for accelerator physics.
- Publication:
-
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Report
- Pub Date:
- September 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981mit..reptT....F
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Distribution;
- Anisotropy;
- Gamma Rays;
- Laser Pumping;
- Nuclear Chemistry;
- Dye Lasers;
- Isomers;
- Polarization (Spin Alignment);
- Sodium Vapor;
- Lasers and Masers