Helicity asymmetry of optically-pumped NMR spectra in GaAs

The origin of helicity asymmetries in the optically-pumped NMR signal and hyperfine shift in GaAs is derived analytically and tested experimentally. The ratio of the optically-pumped to the equilibrium electron polarizations is a key parameter in determining both asymmetries. Variations in asymmetry with photon energy and laser power reflect variations in the local temperature and the electron spin polarization, and these two quantities are extracted from the asymmetry through a simple methodology. Other contributions to the asymmetry are considered.