Graham Norquay1,
Steven Parnell2, Jim M. Wild1
1University
of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom; 2University
of Indiana, Indiana, Bloomington, United States
In this study, the laser absorption and photon efficiency of a 129Xe spin exchange optical pumping polariser were evaluated. It was observed that photon absorption rate decreases linearly with increasing gas flow rate through the cell. An experimental photon efficiency of 0.046 was measured for gas flowing at a rate of 650 sccm, meaning that ~ 20 photons are required to induce each 129Xe spin flip. This indicates that it is possible on this system to produce 120 cm3 of 100% polarised 129Xe per hour at STP, which is a rate for large-volume production of HP 129Xe gas.