Date Thesis Awarded
5-2022
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelors of Science (BS)
Department
Physics
Advisor
Todd D. Averett
Committee Members
David S. Armstrong
Robert D. Pike
Abstract
Current research at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is being conducted to study the spin structure of the neutron through collisions with polarized 3He nuclei. The helium is contained in high pressure glass vessels (called cells) along with nitrogen, rubidium, and potassium. To deduce the spin structure from collisions, we need to know the precise number density of 3He in the cell. The process of polarizing 3He through spin-exchange optical pumping requires nitrogen and alkali metal. We can use the absorption linewidths of rubidium and potassium to more accurately determine the density of helium. Throughout my research, I collected absorption measurements in order to explore how different laser powers, temperatures, and polarization angle affected the linewidths of the Rb D1, Rb D2, K D1, and K D2 transitions. I also plotted the predicted number densities using the empirical model derived in Kluttz et al. 2013 and tested the limitations of this model. My work showed support of this model in the case of both rubidium transitions, but showed that there is some undetermined effects impacting potassium as laser power is manipulated.
Recommended Citation
Parker, Michael, "Alkali Linewidths under High Temperatures and Pressures of 3He" (2022). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 1826.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1826
Creative Commons License
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