Spin-destruction collision

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In a spin-destruction (or spin-disorientation) collision, the spin angular momentum of an atom is irretrievably scrambled. This type of collision can be a significant spin relaxation mechanism for polarized alkali metal vapor. In particular, the relaxation rate of alkali metal atoms in SERF atomic magnetometers is dominated by spin-destruction collisions.

Spin-destruction cross sections[1]
σsd,self σsd,He \sigma_{sd,\mathrm{N_2}}
K 1 \times 10^{-18} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[2] 8 \times 10^{-25} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[3]
Rb 9 \times 10^{-18} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[3] 9 \times 10^{-24} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[3] 1 \times 10^{-22} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[4]
Cs 2\times 10^{-16} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[5] 3 \times 10^{-23} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[6] 6 \times 10^{-22} \ \mathrm{cm}^2[6]