Optically pumped polarized alkali atomic beams and targets

The optical pumping of (23)Na and (6)Li atomic beams is discussed. Experiments on the optical pumping of (23)Na atomic beams using either a single mode dye laser followed by a double passed acousto-optic modulator or a multimode dye laser are reported. The optical pumping of a (23)Na vapor target for use in a polarized H(-) ion source is discussed. Results on the use of viton as a wall coating with a long relaxation time are reported.