Laser‐enhanced spin‐exchange collisions

Spin‐exchange collisions between optically pumped alkali atoms and rare gas atoms can polarize the nuclei of rare gas atoms. We present calculations which indicate that the process should be readily modified by relatively weak (<1 KW/cm2) CW laser radiation tuned in the vicinity of the Rb‐rare gas 5sΣ−6sΣ free‐bound molecular transition. Full coupling of the spin‐polarized Rb electronic spin to the rare gas nuclear spin in the excited state lifetime leads to an estimate for Rb–Xe of a cross section σ≂10−22 Pcm2, where P is the laser power in KW/cm2.