Mark E. Limes Livres

The thesis presents groundbreaking longitudinal nuclear relaxation measurements of solid 129Xe at 77 K, showcasing unprecedented reproducibility and highlighting variations in relaxation based on condensation methods. These findings are crucial for advancing the generation and storage of hyperpolarized 129Xe, particularly for lung MRI applications. Additionally, it incorporates a refined theoretical framework, including enhancements to established Raman-phonon scattering theory, to address inconsistencies observed in earlier studies.

This thesis describes longitudinal nuclear relaxation measurements of solid 129Xe near 77 K with previously unattainable reproducibility, and demonstrates differences in relaxation, dependent upon the way in which the solid is condensed.