Spin-Lattice Relaxation Time of Conduction Electrons in Sodium Metal

Abstract

We have measured the temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time $T_1$ in sodium metal from 14 to 77°K. Our results agree with those of Feher and Kip, and Levy, in the range 20 to 40°K, but disagree with Feher and Kip above 40°K. As a consequence, we find marked deviation from the relation $T_{1}T=\mathrm{constant}$ even at the highest temperatures of our measurements. The temperature dependence we observe lends strong support to the recent calculation of Yafet in the temperature range 35 to 77°K.