NMR of molecules and surfaces using laser-polarized xenon

Practical aspects of the techniques currently in use for the generation of highly polarized xenon through optical pumping of rubidium vapor are compar ed. Optically polarized xenon has applications in NMR spectroscopy using di rect Xe-129 NMR detection, and as a nuclear spin polarization source for po larization transfer experiments. Polarization transfer has been achieved us ing thermal mixing, Hartmann-Hahn cross polarization, and the nuclear Overh auser effect. The practicality of these techniques is compared, highlightin g recent examples. The implementation of magic angle spinning and continuou s-flow techniques in combination with spin induced nuclear Overhauser enhan cement makes laser-polarized xenon a widely applicable tool for the study o f surfaces. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.