Studies and Applications of Hyperpolarized ¹²⁹-Xe

Citation

Shao, Wenjin (2004) Studies and Applications of Hyperpolarized ¹²⁹-Xe. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/M1E8-1F04. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05282004-132432

Abstract

In this thesis, research work concerning studies and applications of hyperpolarized 129-Xe is presented. The research includes two projects. The first project is the measurement and interpretation of the spin-exchange rates between ¹²⁹-Xe and three alkali metals Rb, Cs, and K, for the cell density range of 0.2-0.7 amagats, with the alkali number densities directly measured by the Faraday rotation method. The determination of the constants governing the spin-exchange process provides a better understanding of the spin-exchange optical pumping method that is used to polarize ¹²⁹-Xe, and it helps the optimization of mass production of hyperpolarized ¹²⁹-Xe. The second project of the research work involves the construction of a low readout field imaging system, which is capable of producing magnetic resonance images using both water and hyperpolarized ¹²⁹-Xe as imaging agents, under a low readout magnetic field, and is the first of its kind at room temperature.

Thesis Files