Direct Microscopic Study of Doubly Polarized Atomic Hydrogen by Electron-Spin Resonance

Abstract

By means of ESR in a high magnetic field the hyperfine states of a gas of spin-polarized atomic hydrogen are directly probed. This allows a direct determination of the spin-state populations and nuclear polarization. The unusual ESR line shape is attributed to field inhomogeneities. The temperature of the gas was determined by use of ESR with no indication of nonequilibrium due to Kapitza resistance. Recombination rates between hyperfine states could be determined.