Abstract: The invention concerns a method for hyperpolarizing lithium atoms in a mixture by optically pumping, in a sampling cell, atoms of a first type or alkali metal and by spin exchange between the optically pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron. The lithium atoms are preferably oxidized into Li+ ions and accumulated. The nuclear spin polarization of the Li+ ions can be transmitted to a nuclear spin of an anion. The invention also concerns a method for producing substances with nuclear spin polarization in general. In accordance with said method, lithium atoms are optically pumped from atoms of a first type of alkali metal in a sampling cell and hyperpolarized by spin exchange between the optical pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron, the lithium atoms being then oxidized into Li+ ions. Then, the nuclear spin polarization of the Li+ ions is transmitted to another nucleus of an anion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for hyperpolarizing lithium atoms in a mixture by optically pumping, in a sampling cell, atoms of a first type or alkali metal and by spin exchange between the optically pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron. The lithium atoms are preferably oxidized into Li+ ions and accumulated. The nuclear spin polarization of the Li+ ions can be transmitted to a nuclear spin of an anion. The invention also concerns a method for producing substances with nuclear spin polarization in general. In accordance with said method, lithium atoms are optically pumped from atoms of a first type of alkali metal in a sampling cell and hyperpolarized by spin exchange between the optical pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron, the lithium atoms being then oxidized into Li+ ions. Then, the nuclear spin polarization of the Li+ ions is transmitted to another nucleus of an anion.

Abstract: An apparatus for hyperpolarizing atomic nuclei through optical pumping has a cylindrical optical pumping cell having an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom. A supply of a mixture of optically pumpable species and hyperpolarizable nuclei is connected to the inlet of the cell. A nozzle at an inlet of the optical pumping cell forms and injects a jet flow of the mixture into the optical pumping cell. It is then drawn out through the outlet such that the mixture touches the inner walls of the optical pumping cell only adjacent the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method as well as a device for analyzing a sample, in particular by MR spectroscopy in weak magnetic fields. The method according to the invention for analyzing a sample provides that a hyperpolarized medium is added to a sample and that the chemical shift is determined. The hyperpolarization causes a greater extent of alignment of the nuclei, thus improving the signal-to-noise-ratio in the measurement of the chemical shift. Thus, the sample is exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field and a static magnetic field B0, and the nuclear magnetic resonance is measured. Due to the hyperpolarization, comparatively weak static magnetic fields suffice for determining the chemical shift. Weak magnetic fields within the sense of the invention are fields having a strength of less than 200 G. For example, they are very weak fields in the range of under B0=0.001, T=10 G.