A Rubidium Spin Filter for Electrons
Abstract
We report on experiments testing a novel way to create polarized electrons through collisions with optically pumped Rb. A swarm of electrons is created in a well defined DC discharge at a nitrogen pressure of 30 Torr. The nitrogen conveniently quenches the Rb, limiting depolarization of the Rb due to radiation trapping(M.E. Wagshul and T.E. Chupp, Phys. Rev. A, 49, 3854 (1994).). The electron swarm will be passed through the dense polarized Rb vapor and should acquire a net polarization due to exchange collisions. Presently, unpolarized electron currents of 30 nA have been extracted though a 1 mm aperture at 30 Torr. One possible advantage of this setup would be its use as a "turn-key" source of polarized electrons.
- Publication:
-
APS Annual Gaseous Electronics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997APS..GEC.LW103H