Studies and Applications of Hyperpolarized ¹²⁹-Xe

Author: Shao, Wenjin

Year: 2004

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Hughes, Emlyn Willard

Committee Members: Hughes, Emlyn Willard; Porter, Frank C.; Politzer, Hugh David; Eisenstein, James P.

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/M1E8-1F04

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.

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