³He Metastability Exchange Optical Pumping at High Magnetic Fields: Apparatus Development and Test Results

Metastability Exchange Optical Pumping (MEOP) of ³He in high magnetic fields presents a promising pathway for producing highly polarized ³He nuclei for applications such as polarized neutron targets and ion sources. At Jefferson Lab, we are developing and testing a high-field MEOP apparatus capable of operating at pressures up to 100 mbar and magnetic fields up to 5 T, with the goal of informing the design of a future double-cell target for CLAS12. The system features a fillable glass cell with adjustable pressure control and optical access, enabling systematic studies of polarization performance under varied experimental conditions. This presentation will report on the current apparatus status, including published and preliminary results on polarization dynamics and relaxation behavior. I will also discuss recent design modifications informed by operational experience and ongoing tests that are shaping future system development.