Optical detection enhances NMR imaging

Oct. 1, 2006
Researchers from Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) have found that polarized light from a solid-state laser can significantly improve the resolution and sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and could lead to real-time 2-D imaging of liquid samples.

Researchers from Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) have found that polarized light from a solid-state laser can significantly improve the resolution and sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and could lead to real-time 2-D imaging of liquid samples. According to Michael Romalis and colleagues in the Princeton Dept. of Physics, NMR is typically detected by recording the net dipolar magnetic field outside a spin-polarized sample; however, the recorded bulk of the magnetic field provides only limited spatial or structural information about the sample. Most NMR applications thus rely on complex techniques such as magnetic-field-gradient encoding or spin-correlation spectroscopy to enhance the information that is gleaned from a sample.

Click here to enlarge image

Using optical NMR detection, however, Romalis has found that the rotation of light polarization by nuclear spins is readily measurable and even enhanced in samples containing heavy nuclei. His technique-dubbed nuclear-spin optical rotation-involves shining a plane-polarized 1064 or 532 nm beam from a diode-pumped solid-state laser or a 770 beam from an external-cavity diode laser at a sample and measuring the optical rotation signal-that is, the overlap between the nuclear spin and the virtual electron excitation created by the laser. The experimental setup is simple and works with all liquids and, potentially, transparent solids. Initial applications will likely be in spectroscopy, in which the technique could be adapted using different wavelengths and the amount of rotation is dependent on the molecular species and the interaction of the nuclear spin with the laser. The next step is to explore using a light-build-up cavity to get a bigger signal or a hollow fiber filled with fluid. Contact Michael Romalis at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

On demand webinar: Meet BMF’s first hybrid resolution printer, the microArch D1025

July 26, 2024
Join us in this webinar to explore our newest product release - the microArch D1025 - our first dual-resolution printer. Learn more!

Meet the microArch D1025: Hybrid Resolution 3D Printing Technology

July 26, 2024
Meet BMF's newest release, our first dual-resolution printer for the prototyping and production of parts requiring micron-level precision.

Optical Power Meters for Diverse Applications

April 30, 2024
Bench-top single channel to multichannel power meters, Santec has the power measurement platforms to meet your requirements.

Request a quote: Micro 3D Printed Part or microArch micro-precision 3D printers

April 11, 2024
See the results for yourself! We'll print a benchmark part so that you can assess our quality. Just send us your file and we'll get to work.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!