Old and new spin physics with atoms in solid helium

Abstract

Paramagnetic impurities tapped in solid helium matrices are a new experimental sample with outstanding physical properties. One of the most challenging applications of paramagnetic atoms embedded in solid helium is the search for P- and T-violating permanent atomic electric dipole moments. Prerequisites for such an experiment are among others the achievement of a high degree of spin polarization by optical pumping, a long spin relaxation time and the efficient detection of electron spin magnetic resonance. In the present paper we present preliminary results along these lines. We also show that the technique of optically detected magnetic resonance is an efficient tool for the investigation of matrix effects due to anisotropies of the local trapping sites.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.