Thirty years of research with lithium compounds in Saclay

An overview of the research performed in Saclay using lithium products is given starting with the pioneering work of Abragamʹs group and ending with the shut down of the local accelerators. From the very beginning, lithium compounds have been linked to the development of polarized targets. In 1960, Abragam used 6LiF to validate the Overhauser effect in metals and to check experimentally Dynamic Nuclear Polarization. In 1980, work on 6LiD showed promising results. This would lead to the first use of this material in polarized targets during the following decade, until its present successful behaviour in COMPASS polarized target.