Nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope

A study of physics of a nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope is described. Experimental results in nuclear polarization and relaxation in 3He are obtained using an optical pumping apparatus and a high resolution RF spectroscopic technique. Significant polarization in excited state neon was observed via collisional transfer from optically pumped helium in a cell filled with a mixture of helium and neon isotopes. The measured polarization was essentially independent of the isotopic composition. Moreover, the polarization of helium in the (He - Ne) binary system was not materially perturbed by the addition of the Ne (for our operating fill pressure). A sensitive RF NMR detection apparatus was fabricated and characterized. The required NMR linewidths of a dual-isotope NMRG sensor necessary to meet the required angular rate sensitivities were estimated. Although we were unable to detect the NMR ground state resonances directly, it is shown theoretically that the required rate sensitivities can be satisfied, given the anticipated output power and observed ground state polarization of helium.