Hyperpolarization of lithium and other nuclei

+++133129The invention concerns a method for hyperpolarizing lithium atoms in a mixture by optically pumping, in a sampling cell, atoms of a first type or alkali metal and by spin exchange between the optically pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron. The lithium atoms are preferably oxidized into Li ions and accumulated. The nuclear spin polarization of the Li ions can be transmitted to a nuclear spin of an anion. The invention also concerns a method for producing substances with nuclear spin polarization in general. In accordance with said method, lithium atoms are optically pumped from atoms of a first type of alkali metal in a sampling cell and hyperpolarized by spin exchange between the optical pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron, the lithium atoms being then oxidized into Li ions. Then, the nuclear spin polarization of the Li ions is transmitted to another nucleus of an anion. Thus it is possible to obtain hyperpolarized nuclei such as, for example, C, P or Si in solid or liquid phase, in large amounts and at high polarizing levels.