Non-linear amplification of small spin precession using long range dipolar interactions

Abstract

In measurements of small signals using spin precession the precession angle usually grows linearly in time. We show that non-linear interactions between particles can lead to an exponentially growing spin precession angle, resulting in an amplification of small signals and raising them above the noise level of a detection system. We demonstrate amplification by a factor of greater than 8 of a spin precession signal due to a small magnetic field gradient in a spherical cell filled with hyperpolarized liquid $^{129}$Xe. This technique can improve the sensitivity in many measurements that are limited by the noise of the detection system, rather then the fundamental spin-projection noise.