''Bulk'' Hyperpolarized 131Xe with PXe 7 % : a Potential Target for Neutron Optics Searches for Time-Reversal Invariance Violation
Abstract
The very large parity-odd asymmetry seen in the 3.2 eV p-wave resonance in 131Xe makes it an interesting nucleus for NOPTREX. However this isotope is notoriously difficult to hyperpolarize owing to its strong nuclear quadrupole moment. We investigate the bulk preparation of hyperpolarized 131Xe via spin exchange optical pumping (SEOP). Isotopic enrichment and next-generation spectrally-narrowed laser diode arrays allow for real-time observation of polarization dynamics via in situ low-field NMR, and optimization as a function of temperature, alkali metal choice (Rb and Cs), resonance offset, and other parameters. 131Xe polarization values as high as 7 . 6 % +/- 1 . 5 % were achieved at 0.37 amagat in a 0.1 L cell (8 . 5 ×1020 131Xe spins), demonstrating feasibility for use in spin-polarized neutron-scattering targets. Ongoing efforts to scale up 131Xe SEOP to aluminosilicate cells with larger volumes for use in measurements of pseudomagnetic precession of polarized neutrons will also be described.
Research Corporation Cottrell SEED Award; NSF (CHE-1905341, REU DMR-1757954), DoD (W81XWH-15-1-0272).- Publication:
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APS Division of Nuclear Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020APS..DNP.DP006G