Spin-Lattice Relaxation Time of Conduction Electrons in Sodium Metal

Abstract

We have measured the temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ in sodium metal from 14 to 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Our results agree with those of Feher and Kip, and Levy, in the range 20 to 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, but disagree with Feher and Kip above 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. As a consequence, we find marked deviation from the relation ${T}_{1}T=\mathrm{constant}$ even at the highest temperatures of our measurements. The temperature dependence we observe lends strong support to the recent calculation of Yafet in the temperature range 35 to 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.