Spin-Lattice Relaxation Time of Conduction Electrons in Sodium Metal

We have measured the temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time T₁ in sodium metal from 14 to 77^∘{}K. Our results agree with those of Feher and Kip, and Levy, in the range 20 to 40^∘{}K, but disagree with Feher and Kip above 40^∘{}K. As a consequence, we find marked deviation from the relation T₁T=constant even at the highest temperatures of our measurements. The temperature dependence we observe lends strong support to the recent calculation of Yafet in the temperature range 35 to 77^∘{}K.