A high volume, batch mode Xe-129 polarizer
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research A |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168900217301559?via%3Dihub |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2017.01.065 |
| Keywords | Nuclear polarization; SEOP polarizer; Xe-129; NMR |
| Description | Numerous designs of optical gas polarizers have been proposed, broadening possible applications of the hyperpolarized gases as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. We present a home-made Xe-129 polarizer based on the spin exchange optical pumping method. The polarizer operates under 1 bar of the gas mixture (at the maximum temperature of 160 degrees C) in a high volume optical cell (5025 cm(3)). Approximately 100 cm(3) of Xe-129 polarized at 1.50 +/- 0.37% is produced in a single cycle of polarization. Operation under standard pressure imposes polarization transfer mainly via van der Waals molecules, resulting in the efficient spin exchange between rubidium and Xe-129 atoms. The design, construction and operation of the polarizer are described in details. |
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