Probing frequency shifts in a dual-isotope Rb-Xe vapor cell using selective resonant RF-field suppression

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Quantum Information Science
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Background:

• Understanding spin interactions in multi-isotope vapor cells is key for advanced NMR applications.
• Rubidium-Xenon (Rb-Xe) systems are vital for high-precision measurements due to their unique spin properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate spin interaction mechanisms in Rb-Xe vapor cells with ¹²⁹Xe and ¹³¹Xe isotopes.
• To quantify the relationship between Xe and Rb polarization via Fermi-contact interaction.
• To identify and characterize frequency shifts in Xe resonance.

Main Methods:

• Selective suppression of Xe polarization using resonant radio-frequency (RF) fields.
• Measurement of longitudinal relaxation times for Xe isotopes.
• Analysis of Xe resonance frequency shifts at the milliHertz level.

Main Results:

• RF fields do not induce measurable shifts in Xe resonance frequency when Xe polarization is suppressed.
• Cross-relaxation between ¹²⁹Xe and ¹³¹Xe is negligible under experimental conditions.
• Observed frequency shifts are attributed to mean-field interactions from macroscopic Xe magnetization.

Conclusions:

• Spin interactions in multi-isotope Xe vapor cells are well-characterized.
• Mean-field interactions are the primary source of observed frequency shifts.
• Findings are critical for advancing high-precision NMR measurements and NMR-based gyroscopes.