Method for deducing anisotropic spin-exchange rates

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to distinguish isotropic and anisotropic spin-exchange rates using measured transfer and relaxation rates, setting a fundamental limit on He-3 polarization in optical pumping.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to differentiate spin-exchange interactions, providing a fundamental polarization limit for He-3 in optical pumping.

Findings

Limit on He-3 polarization is approximately 0.90±0.11 for K-He.

Method enables fundamental understanding of spin-exchange mechanisms.

Potential to improve polarization techniques in atomic physics.

Abstract

Using measured spin-transfer rates from alkali atoms to He-3, combined with spin-relaxation rates of the alkali atoms due to He-3 and He-4, it should be possible to differentiate between isotropic and anisotropic spin-exchange. This would give a fundamental limit on the He-3 polarization attainable in spin-exchange optical pumping. For K-He, we find the limit to be 0.90+-0.11.