Title: Squid detected NMR and MRI at ultralow fields

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Inventors:

Clarke, John; McDermott, Robert; Pines, Alexander; Trabesinger, Andreas Heinz

Issue Date:

2006-05-30

Research Org.:

Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1175766

Patent Number(s):

7053610

Application Number:

10/995,765

Assignee:

The Regents of th University of California (Oakland, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01R - MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES

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G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01R - MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES

G01R33/0356 - {with flux feedback}
G01R33/326 - {involving a SQUID}
G01R33/445 - {MR involving a non-standard magnetic field B0, e.g. of low magnitude as in the earth's magnetic field or in nanoTesla spectroscopy, comprising a polarizing magnetic field for pre-polarisation, B0 with a temporal variation of its magnitude or direction such as field cycling of B0 or rotation of the direction of B0, or spatially inhomogeneous B0 like in fringe-field MR or in stray-field imaging}

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC03-76SF00098

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY