Kinetic Theory of Nuclear Spin Relaxation in Gases

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Abstract
A theory of nuclear spin relaxation in linear molecules is developed for dilute gases and mixtures. The main assumptions used are those often employed in the kinetic theory of dilute gases: (1) binary collisions, (2) no correlation between the effects of successive binary collisions, and (3) classical mechanics for the molecular translational and rotational motion. The calculations result in expressions relating the spin relaxation times to the rotational angular momentum transfered by collisions. Using the results, it is possible to calculate the spin relaxation times for any given intermolecular potential which includes angle‐dependent terms.