| While the method of Spin-exchange optical pumping, SEOP, of noble gases has existed since 1960, many fundamental aspects of spin exchange optical pumping have gone largely unexplained. These questions included the values of the rate coefficients for spin-exchange, many aspects of the alkali-metal polarization and density inside the SEOP cells, the mechanisms of wall relaxation, non-ideal values of the observed polarization, and low efficiency to produce the polarization. This thesis describes the results of our efforts to quantity all parameters in SEOP and to begin to determine some of these unknowns. This thesis presents measurements of spin-exchange rate coefficients and efficiencies. A method to extend SEOP to multiple alkali species is presented. In addition, limits to the efficiency of optical pumping, the efficiency of spin-exchange, and the lower than expected observed polarization are explored. |
