4C3 - Relaxation in the level F=1 of the ground state of hydrogen: Application to the hydrogen maser

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Abstract
A theory of relaxation by the random excitation of transitions in the levelF = 1of the ground state of hydrogen is described. The theory is applied to the case of the hydrogen maser. It is found that this type of relaxation, when introduced in the maser in a controlled manner, makes possible the measurement of parameters fundamental to the design of the maser. Experiments are described in which a magnetic gradient producing transitions between theF = 1states is created by a current passing through a straight conductor in the storage bulb. Experimental results for various modes of operation of the maser are given.