Radiation-detected NMR: new dimension for Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and imaging

Introduction

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful spectroscopic technique, used in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and medicine. However, conventional NMR has one big limitation, namely very small sensitivity, due to a low level of polarization of nuclear spins and inefficient signal detection by an induction signal in pick-up coils.

Background

My ERC Starting grant has explored the use of radiation-detected NMR (RD-NMR), in which very short-lived nuclei were used as novel NMR probes, bringing up to a billion-fold increase in NMR sensitivity. Such nuclei are produced at a radioactive-ion beam facility and are polarized on the fly, before being introduced into the sample.

Project Goals

In this Proof of Concept project, I want to use the advantages of RD-NMR and explore the prospect of turning it into a more easily accessible analytic tool. I aim to build a prototype of a modular insert for conventional NMR and MRI spectrometers that will allow in-situ polarization of longer-lived nuclei that can be acquired commercially.

Prototype Design

The insert will include:

• A sample
• RF coil for spin excitation
• Beta-particle detectors
• Connections to introduce the hyperpolarizing agent and the radiolabeled molecule that will be polarized in situ

The insert will be complemented by hardware and software needed for data acquisition.

Collaboration and Exploration

During the project, we will also explore the most suitable exploitation path. We will:

1. Refine the end users and end market (including a workshop at CERN)
2. Investigate the patentability of the results

I will collaborate with researchers from the University of Mainz, knowledge transfer specialists, and companies active in NMR and MRI.