Ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging to discriminate and identify materials

Patent · 30 March 2010

OSTI ID:1014389

Kraus, Robert H ^[1]; Matlashov, Andrei N ^[1]; Espy, Michelle A ^[1]; Volegov, Petr L ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM

An ultra-low magnetic field NMR system can non-invasively examine containers. Database matching techniques can then identify hazardous materials within the containers. Ultra-low field NMR systems are ideal for this purpose because they do not require large powerful magnets and because they can examine materials enclosed in conductive shells such as lead shells. The NMR examination technique can be combined with ultra-low field NMR imaging, where an NMR image is obtained and analyzed to identify target volumes. Spatial sensitivity encoding can also be used to identify target volumes. After the target volumes are identified the NMR measurement technique can be used to identify their contents.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Security, LLC (Los Alamos, NM)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC52-06NA25396
• Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC (Los Alamos, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 7,688,069
• Application Number: US Patent Application 11/804,799
• OSTI ID: 1014389
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English