Patent ID: 7710114
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: G01R,G21K,H05H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for producing a nuclear spin-polarized noble gas by spin-polarizing a noble gas in the presence of an optical pumping catalyst, comprising: a cell comprising first and second surface members spaced apart from each other to define a reaction chamber therebetween, one of said first and second surface members being configured to allow laser light to pass therethrough into said reaction chamber, a gas introduction conduit connected in fluid communication with said reaction chamber for feeding the noble gas therethrough to said reaction chamber, a gas discharge conduit connected in fluid communication with said reaction chamber, a system for applying a magnetic field to said reaction chamber, a system for delivering laser light to said reaction chamber through one of said first and second surface members that is configured to allow laser light to pass therethrough into said reaction chamber, a noble gas introduction line for feeding the noble gas, a first valve having an outlet port connected to said gas introduction conduit and an inlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with said noble gas introduction line, a second valve having an inlet port connected to said gas discharge conduit and an outlet port, and a capillary tube removably connected to said outlet port of said second valve for recovering a nuclear spin-polarized noble gas produced in said reaction chamber.