Abstract: A method of enhancing the nuclear spin polarization of target molecules (10) uses a hyperpolarized source material (12) that is co-confined with the target molecules (10) in a porous molecular matrix (20). The matrix (20) may be a D4R-polysiloxane copolymer such as polyoligosiloxysilicone number two (PSS-2) that has recesses of an appropriate diameter. A source material (12), such as parahydrogen, is transferred to the matrix (20) together with the target molecules (10), and an external pressure is applied to force them into the recesses of the matrix (20). The nano-confinement of the source material (12) and target molecules (10) together enables or enhances a transfer of spin polarization from the source material (12) to the target molecules (10). When the target molecules (10) are removed from the matrix (20), the enhanced spin polarization greatly enhances the signal strength of the target molecules (10) in any subsequent magnetic resonance measurement.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for shuttling an NMR sample container between at least two coaxially arranged NMR magnet systems of an NMR spectrometer comprising a guide tube positioned in a central bore of the magnet systems, a shuttle assembly arranged inside the guide tube for securely holding and shuttling the sample container and a drive system comprising a pulling drive and a winch cord attached to the drive system on one side and to the shuttle assembly on the other side, such that the shuttle assembly can travel inside the guide tube. The transfer device has a pneumatic pressurizing arrangement with an entry for pressurized gas arranged on a gas-tight body above the shuttle assembly that is adapted to maintain the winch cord under tension. The shuttle assembly comprises a piston design being moveable along the common axis of the coaxial magnet systems under the influence of the pressure.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for shuttling an NMR sample container between at least two coaxially arranged NMR magnet systems of an NMR spectrometer comprising a guide tube positioned in a central bore of the magnet systems, a shuttle assembly arranged inside the guide tube for securely holding and shuttling the sample container and a drive system comprising a pulling drive and a winch cord attached to the drive system on one side and to the shuttle assembly on the other side, such that the shuttle assembly can travel inside the guide tube. The transfer device has a pneumatic pressurizing arrangement with an entry for pressurized gas arranged on a gas-tight body above the shuttle assembly that is adapted to maintain the winch cord under tension. The shuttle assembly comprises a piston design being moveable along the common axis of the coaxial magnet systems under the influence of the pressure.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the nuclear spin polarization of target molecules (10) uses a hyperpolarized source material (12) that is co-confined with the target molecules (10) in a porous molecular matrix (20). The matrix (20) may be a D4R-polysiloxane copolymer such as polyoligosiloxysilicone number two (PSS-2) that has recesses of an appropriate diameter. A source material (12), such as parahydrogen, is transferred to the matrix (20) together with the target molecules (10), and an external pressure is applied to force them into the recesses of the matrix (20). The nano-confinement of the source material (12) and target molecules (10) together enables or enhances a transfer of spin polarization from the source material (12) to the target molecules (10). When the target molecules (10) are removed from the matrix (20), the enhanced spin polarization greatly enhances the signal strength of the target molecules (10) in any subsequent magnetic resonance measurement.

Abstract: A method for carrying out two-field nuclear magnetic resonance (=2FNMR) measurements involves preparing a sample (9a) in a first working volume (5) of a highly homogeneous magnetic field with a first field strength; transferring the sample (9a) to a second working volume (7) with a magnetic field having lower homogeneity and having a second field strength, wherein the first field strength is at least 2 Tesla larger than the second field strength; manipulating the sample (9a) at the second working volume (7) by applying a sequence of radio-frequency (=RF) and/or field gradient pulses; transferring the sample (9a) back to the first working volume (5); and detecting an NMR signal of the sample (9a) in the first working volume (5). The method allows for NMR experiments with which more and/or improved quality information about an investigated sample can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for carrying out two-field nuclear magnetic resonance (=2FNMR) measurements involves preparing a sample (9a) in a first working volume (5) of a highly homogeneous magnetic field with a first field strength; transferring the sample (9a) to a second working volume (7) with a magnetic field having lower homogeneity and having a second field strength, wherein the first field strength is at least 2 Tesla larger than the second field strength; manipulating the sample (9a) at the second working volume (7) by applying a sequence of radio-frequency (=RF) and/or field gradient pulses; transferring the sample (9a) back to the first working volume (5); and detecting an NMR signal of the sample (9a) in the first working volume (5). The method allows for NMR experiments with which more and/or improved quality information about an investigated sample can be obtained.

Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a first component made of conductive material in the form of an at least partially hollow rod, comprising a hole or perforation extending axially into the body of the first component to form a tube portion, and a second component also made of conductive material in the form of a rod able to be fitted to a variable depth into the axial hole, the engagement depth of the second component in the first component determining the degree of capacitive coupling between them and therefore the value of the resulting capacitor. The capacitor tube portion is provided on its internal face, preferably substantially over the whole depth of the axial hole, with a layer of dielectric material, the latter extending in a continuous manner over the edge defining the access aperture of the hole and onto an adjacent part of the external face of the tube portion.

Abstract: A device for generating a radio frequency electrical signals, delivering at least two separate signals having different frequencies, in the form of signals delivered by different primary sources and amplified with a predetermined gain. The device comprises a combining circuit (3), combining the signals delivered by the primary sources (2), a single channel power amplifier (4) and a multi-channel selection and routing unit (5) with a parallel structure. Each channel delivers at the output an amplified signal (S) at a frequency (F) characteristic of one of the primary sources (2) and comprises a filter circuit (6) adjusted to be passing for one of the different characteristic frequencies (F) of the different primary sources (2), an impedance adaptation circuit (7) and a rejection circuit (8) for frequencies other than the passing frequency of the filter circuit (6) of the channel in question.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a variable capacitor comprising on the one hand a first component made of conductive material in the form of an at least partially hollow rod, comprising a hole or perforation extending axially into the body of said first component to form a tube portion and, on the other hand, a second component also made of conductive material in the form of a rod able to be fitted to a variable depth into said axial hole, the engagement depth of the second component in the first component determining the degree of capacitive coupling between them and therefore the value of the resulting capacitor.

Abstract: An excitation circuit of a probe for measuring and recovering the signal emitted in return by this latter in an NMR spectrometric apparatus, connecting the probe under conditions defined by switching elements forming a portion of the circuit, to a high frequency excitation signal generator by a portion of the line or emission line, and by a portion of the line or reception line, to a receiver for acquiring and using signals emitted by the probe as a function of the specimen to be analyzed which it contains, a device being provided to carry out or verify the tuning of the measuring probe with the excitation signal generator, associated with the circuit. The device includes a directive coupler, mounted to the portion of the emission line.

Abstract: An excitation circuit of a probe for measuring and recovering the signal emitted in return by this latter in an NMR spectrometric apparatus, connecting the probe under conditions defined by switching elements forming a portion of the circuit, to a high frequency excitation signal generator by a portion of the line or emission line, and by a portion of the line or reception line, to a receiver for acquiring and using signals emitted by the probe as a function of the specimen to be analyzed which it contains, a device being provided to carry out or verify the tuning of the measuring probe with the excitation signal generator, associated with the circuit. The device includes a directive coupler, mounted to the portion of the emission line.

Abstract: A device for generating a radio frequency electrical signals, delivering at least two separate signals having different frequencies, in the form of signals delivered by different primary sources and amplified with a predetermined gain. The device comprises a combining circuit (3), combining the signals delivered by the primary sources (2), a single channel power amplifier (4) and a multi-channel selection and routing unit (5) with a parallel structure. Each channel delivers at the output an amplified signal (S) at a frequency (F) characteristic of one of the primary sources (2) and comprises a filter circuit (6) adjusted to be passing for one of the different characteristic frequencies (F) of the different primary sources (2), an impedance adaptation circuit (7) and a rejection circuit (8) for frequencies other than the passing frequency of the filter circuit (6) of the channel in question.

Abstract: Commutation device to connect and disconnect a current or voltage generator and a coil adapted to create a gradient of magnetic field in a measurement chamber of an NMR apparatus. The device comprises a switch (1) mounted in the supply circuit (2) of the coil (3), actuated by a control signal and adapted, in open position, to isolate totally the coil (3) from the generator (4). The switch is a double switch (1) adapted to separate, upon opening, the supply circuit (2) into a portion (5) connected to the generator (4) and a portion (6) connected to the coil (3), independently of each other. Alternatively the switch can be a high speed switch comprising at least one field effect transistor.