Local, mm-scale H 1 magnetic resonance imaging using atomic vapors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We demonstrate a practical and sensitive low-field approach to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of μ L -scale samples using an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM). Using a simple setup where a commercial OPM is placed directly adjacent to a sample, without intermediary signal-pickup coils, we perform one- and two-dimensional imaging with a > 1 cm field of view and sub-mm Fourier-limited resolution at 10 μ T , near Earth’s field. This enables (i) high-throughput, low-field MRI of fluidic and tissue samples, and (ii) a quantitative benchmark of the sensitive volume surrounding the OPM.

Source: Physical Review Applied

DOI: 10.1103/6vx4-mjx6

Authors: Sven Bodenstedt, Morgan W. Mitchell, Michael C. D. Tayler

Institutions: Institute of Photonic Sciences, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats

Language: English

Topic: Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Fundación Cellex, Centres de Recerca de Catalunya, European Commission, Generalitat de Catalunya, Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, Agencia Estatal de Investigación

OpenAlex ID: W7164803695