Measurements of the Alkali-Metal Spin-Destruction Rate and Spin-Exchange Rate Coefficient in Xe-Rb and Xe-Cs Systems

Despite the practice of noble gas spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP) since 1960, various fundamental aspects of this method, including the values of the spin-destruction rate, numerous elements of alkali-metal polarization, and spin-exchange coefficient, still need to be explored. The mechanisms governing $^{129}$Xe polarization, and the spin-exchange efficiency have also been noted as areas of exploration. This thesis explains the results of our efforts to measure these features and initiates an understanding of some of these mysteries. This document includes measurements of the alkali-metal spin-destruction rate, alkali-metal-Xe spin-exchange rate coefficient, and spin-exchange efficiency. We made a comparison between Xe-Rb and Xe-Cs systems by comparing the SEOP efficiency for the two systems to understand which alkali-metal can be a better partner for polarizing Xe. The results show that Xe-Cs system has ∼ 35% higher spin-exchange rate coefficient and ∼ 30% higher spin-destruction rate than Xe-Rb system, resulting in a slightly better SEOP efficiency for Xe-Cs system than Xe-Rb system