Work

A compact and mobile stray-field NMR sensor

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a compact, single-sided stray field sensor for NMR relaxometry applications. The sensor consists of four main components: the magnet, the RF coil, the spectrometer, and the translation stage. Our proposed magnet, an improved design of the Profile NMR-MOUSE, is designed for low weight, compactness, and magnetic field homogeneity, achieved through various shim strategies using a mixed genetic algorithm. The magnet comprises eight NdFeB blocks, generating a magnetic field of 0.424T within the sensitive region, positioned 12 mm above the magnet surface. For high spatial resolution measurements, we optimized the sensor performance by using a custom-designed rf coil, providing maximum sensitivity, lateral selectivity, and a dead time of less than 20µs. Moreover, we utilized 3D-printed structures to precisely align the sensitive slice within the object, using an experimental approach based on CPMG measurements. The presented setup achieved a spatial resolution of 50µm, with resolution changes proportional to acquisition time. We demonstrate the sensor's versatility and high resolution with measurements on materials such as cosmetics, elastomers, glue, and wood, verifying the good performance of our design, our alignment strategy, and the measuring scheme.

Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2024.107798

Authors: Belal M.K. Alnajjar, Jürgen Frick, Bernhard Blümich, Jens Anders

Institutions: University of Stuttgart, RWTH Aachen University, Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart

Language: English

Topic: NMR spectroscopy and applications

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,660

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft