Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2289/4001
Title: Investigation of antirelaxation coatings for alkali-metal vapor cells using surface science techniques
Authors: Seltzer, S.J.
Michalak, D.J.
Donaldson, M.H.
Balabas, M.V.
Rangwala, S.A.
+15 Co-authors
Issue Date: 14-Oct-2010
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
Citation: Journal of Chemical Physics, 2010, Vol.133, p144703
Abstract: Many technologies based on cells containing alkali-metal atomic vapor benefit from the use of antirelaxation surface coatings in order to preserve atomic spin polarization. In particular, paraffin has been used for this purpose for several decades and has been demonstrated to allow an atom to experience up to 10 000 collisions with the walls of its container without depolarizing, but the details of its operation remain poorly understood. We apply modern surface and bulk techniques to the study of paraffin coatings in order to characterize the properties that enable the effective preservation of alkali spin polarization. These methods include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We also compare the light-induced atomic desorption yields of several different paraffin materials. Experimental results include the determination that crystallinity of the coating material is unnecessary, and the detection of CvC double bonds present within a particular class of effective paraffin coatings. Further study should lead to the development of more robust paraffin antirelaxation coatings, as well as the design and synthesis of new classes of coating materials.
Description: Open Access
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2289/4001
ISSN: 0021-9606
1089-7690 (Online)
Alternative Location: http://arxiv.org/abs/1002.4417
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3489922
Copyright: 2010 American Institute of Physics. This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and the American Institute of Physics.
Appears in Collections:Research Papers (LAMP)

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