Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents. The invention also relates to a magnetic resonance sensor that alters it shape in response to a condition of an environment such that the condition may be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents. The invention also relates to a magnetic resonance sensor that alters it shape in response to a condition of an environment such that the condition may be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents.

Abstract: This invention relates principally to methods and apparatus for recording data on and reading data from a magnetizable medium using a scanning tunneling technique. Conventional rigid probes used in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and the like are replaced by a compliant magnetic probe wherein the STM image is a convolution of magnetic forces and the surface topography of the magnetizable medium. Data can be written to the medium by increasing the tunneling current, reducing the scan rate, and/or increasing the magnetization of the compliant magnetic tunneling tip in order to alter the local magnetic characteristics of the medium. A preferred material for the compliant probe is a free-standing thin film of iron vacuum-deposited on a glass substrate and later removed therefrom.The compliant probe of the invention may also be employed for imaging the local surface magnetization of a magnetic member.

Abstract: A method for thermal environment sensing utilizing superconducting materi finds utility in the production of low power cryogenic flow meters, bolometers, level detectors and other types of thermal environment sensors. A device for determining the first and second derivatives (dV/dI and d.sup.2 V/dI.sup.2) utilizes a ramped current until a set value of the first derivative (dV/dI) is achieved, the current supply being placed in a feedback mode to maintain the first derivative constant and monitoring any changes in the second derivative (d.sup.2 V/dI.sup.2) which indicate changes in the thermal environment. Alternatively, the second derivative is maintained constant and the first derivative is measured. Any parameter which is indicative of the non-linearity of the relationship between the voltage and the current can be utilized instead of the second derivative.

Abstract: A highly sensitive force detector using a tunneling junction as a strain gauge is disclosed. The tunneling junction is connected to a deflection member which receives the force to be measured. The junction is connected in a nulling circuit to a magnetic flux motor which generates a restoring force precisely equal to the force to be measured. The magnetic flux required by the flux motor to do so is measured by a SQUID, the output of which is directly proportional to the flux to be measured. The device has applications in pressure sensing, weighing, gravity measurements, detection of massive objects, and elsewhere.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable tunnelling junction includes two electrodes defining a gap supported on substrates. Spacers maintain the electrodes in spaced apart relation. At least one of substrates is mechanically deformable, whereby the application of an external force to the substrates decreases the gap to the range where tunnelling will occur.