Polarization and hyperfine transitions of metastable {sup 129}Xe in discharge cells

The polarization and relaxation rates of metastable {sup 129}Xe atoms are measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, at both microwave frequencies, where {Delta}F=1 transitions are induced between the sublevels, and at radiofrequencies, corresponding to {Delta}F=0 transitions. The nuclear spin polarization of the resonant velocity group is measured to be 22{+-}2%. The relaxation of metastable xenon atoms is dominated by depolarizing collisions with ground-state atoms, with lesser contributions from metastability exchange collisions.