Spin-exchange effects on tensor polarization of deuterium atoms

We present measurements of the effects of spin exchange on the nuclear tensor polarization of atomic deuterium gas. Measurements of the nuclear polarization have been performed at several values of the magnetic field. In these measurements, only the gas density was changed, leaving all other experimental parameters constant. The results are in qualitative agreement with a model, based on the spin-exchange mechanism proposed by Purcell and Field. The results are relevant for nuclear and particle-physics experiments, using nuclear polarized hydrogen or deuterium targets, as well as for laser optical pumping applications of H-1 and H-2. [S1050-2947(98)03806-2]