²³Na spin-lattice relaxation in powder Rochelle salt

The temperature dependence of ²³Na spin-lattice relaxation in the polycrystalline Rochelle salt was studied by NMR within the range from 235 to 320 K covering both Curie points. The spin-relaxation time t ₁ versus temperature curve showed noticeable dips near the phase transitions against the background of the regular decrease in the relaxation time upon increasing temperature. The dips observed were ascribed to critical contributions to sodium spin-lattice relaxation caused by the slowdown of the correlation time for one of two relaxation modes in the Rochelle salt. The ²³Na NMR parameters were also measured for the melted Rochelle salt.