ISAC β-NMR

β detected NMR is an exotic form of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in which the nuclear spin precession signal is detected through the beta decay of a radioactive nucleus. It takes advantage of the new world class radioactive ion beam facility (ISAC) located on the campus of the University of British Columbia. We have recently developed a beam of low energy hyperpolarized radioactive nuclei for applications in condensed matter using an optical polarization scheme. The nuclear method of detection along with the high degree of spin polarization means that βNMR at ISAC is about 10 orders of magnitude more sensitive than a conventional NMR experiment. The beamline and associated instruments are unique in the world and open a new window into the magnetic and electronic properties of ultrathin films, nanostrucures and interfaces. The central question to be studied is how do the local electronic and magnetic properties near an interface or surface of new materials (e.g. a high Tc superconductor) differ from those of the the bulk? β detected NMR is a natural complement to the renowned muon spin rotation program at TRIUMF. Both are part of the TRIUMF center for Molecular and Materials Science.