Investigation of antirelaxation coatings for alkali-metal vapor cells using surface science techniques

TitleInvestigation of antirelaxation coatings for alkali-metal vapor cells using surface science techniques
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsSeltzer S.J, Michalak D.J, Donaldson M.H, Balabas M.V, Barber S.K, Bernasek S.L, Bouchiat M.A, Hexemer A., Hibberd A.M, Kimball D.FJ, Jaye C., Karaulanov T., Narducci F.A, Rangwala S.A, Robinson H.G, Shmakov A.K, Voronov D.L, Yashchuk V.V, Pines A, Budker D.
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume133
Issue14
Start Page144703
Pagination144703
Date PublishedOctober 11, 2010
Type of ArticleArticle
ISBN Number0021-9606
Accession NumberWOS:000283200400049
KeywordsSPECTROSCOPY
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. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3489922]

URLhttp://link.aip.org/link/doi/10.1063/1.3489922
DOI10.1063/1.3489922
Short TitleInvestigation of antirelaxation coatings for alkali-metal vapor cells using surface science techniques
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