Nuclear spin-lattice relaxation attenuation coefficients for use in on-line nuclear orientation experiments

Abstract

A number of low-temperature nuclear orientation facilities are now operating fully on-line to accelerators/isotope separators capable of producing wide ranges of nuclei far from stability. The basic theory of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation, relevant to the technique of on-line low-temperature nuclear orientation, is outlined. In particular, quantitative methods of dealing with cases in which the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time is comparable with the isotope half-life have been developed. For detailed analysis in such situations, tables of coefficients are presented, describing the attenuation of the full thermal equilibrium effects that can be expected.