Abstract: A coil (36) includes coil elements (381, 382, . . . , 38n). The coil (36) can transmit radio frequency excitation pulses into an examination region (14) and/or receive responsive radio frequency pulses from the examination region (14). A compensation network (42) includes decoupling segments (98), which each has a selected electrical length at least of a quarter wavelength (?/4) and is electrically coupled to an associated coil element (381, 382, . . . , 38n) and a reactive network (100). The compensation network (42) at least compensates coupling between the coil elements (381, 382, . . . , 38n).

Abstract: A provisional three-dimensional reconstruction of an examination object is determined based on two-dimensional original projection images. Provisional metal volumes are determined on the reconstruction by segmentation and mapped into the original projection images to define provisional metal areas. Edge points on edge zones of the provisional metal areas are selected. Data values of the original projection images within the provisional metal areas are modified as a function of data values of the selected edge points to determine modified projection images. Differential images are determined based on the original projection images and the corresponding modified projection images. Definitive metal areas are determined in the differential images by segmentation. The differential images are added to the modified projection images with the definitive metal areas deducted.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems and computer program products evaluating magnetic resonance (MR) signals from a sample. The methods and systems can be used to evaluate MR signals from various constituents (e.g., metabolites, macromolecules) of the sample.

Abstract: A method of testing a sample comprising the steps of: applying an excitation to the sample; detecting a response signal from the sample; processing a first part and a second part of the response signal; and determining from the second part of the response signal information with which to enhance the first part of the response signal.

Abstract: Low field SQUID MRI devices, components and methods are disclosed. They include a portable low field (SQUID)-based MRI instrument and a portable low field SQUID-based MRI system to be operated under a bed where a subject is adapted to be located. Also disclosed is a method of distributing wires on an image encoding coil system adapted to be used with an NMR or MRI device for analyzing a sample or subject and a second order superconducting gradiometer adapted to be used with a low field SQUID-based MRI device as a sensing component for an MRI signal related to a subject or sample.

Abstract: A biomagnetic field measurement apparatus capable of easily bringing the sensor planes close to the head surface of the subject and capable of detecting cerebral magnetic fields of the left brain and the right brain simultaneously with a higher sensitivity is provided by disposing two independent cryostats holding SQUID fluxmeters in the mirror image relation to each other. The two cryostats move vertically and horizontally and rotate while interlocking with each other and maintaining the mirror image relation to each other. A gantry holding the cryostats has a function of suppressing vibration of the cryostats and has a gate shape.

Abstract: A method for analysing a chemical substance containing quadrupolar nuclei to determine a measurable characteristic of the substance. The method includes irradiating the substance with RF energy in a prescribed manner to stimulate NQR of certain quadrupolar nuclei within the substance. Then receiving and processing a signal emitted from the substance to isolate an NQR signal therefrom. Thereafter analysing the NQR signal to obtain a measure of the characteristic of the substance; and providing an output indicative of the measure for analytical purposes. Specific methods for analysing a chemical substance during production thereof to determine a characteristic of the substance indicative of the quality thereof, and for searching for chemicals together with specific systems are also described.

Abstract: A passenger scanning system includes a passenger screening area configured for a person to enter and a shield surrounding at least a portion of the passenger screening area. The shield is configured to reduce a radio frequency interference within the passenger screening area. The passenger scanning system also includes one or more sensors positioned in the passenger screening area at a height configured to be proximate one or more of an abdominal region, a groin region, and a pelvic region of the entered person. The sensors are configured to generate a signal in response to a target substance located in the one or more of the abdominal region, the groin region, and the pelvic region.

Abstract: Viscosity of heavy oil is determined in situ in a formation by making nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements in the formation, and then calculating viscosity according to an equation of the form T 2 ? LM = a + b ? ( ? T ) c , where T is the temperature of the heavy oil sample, ? is the viscosity, T2LM is the logarithmic mean of the T2 distribution spectrum of the sample, and a, b, and c are non-zero constants. Typically, constant b has a value between 5 and 7 and constant c has a value between ?0.7 and ?0.5.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a warm bore of a superconducting magnet in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes a plurality of warm bore thermal sensors positioned on a surface of the warm bore and a plurality of heater elements positioned on the surface of the warm bore. A heater element thermal sensor is coupled to each of the plurality of heater elements and configured to monitor the temperature of the corresponding heater element. A controller is coupled to the plurality of warm bore thermal sensors and the plurality of heater element thermal sensors. The controller is configured to control each of the plurality of heater elements to maintain a predetermined temperature of the warm bore.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of precipitants in a hydrocarbon stream, the method comprising introducing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon stream into a measurement chamber of an NMR measuring device, assaying the fluids in the chamber with proton nuclear magnetic resonance to obtain NMR signals, and processing the NMR signals to detect the formation of precipitants in the hydrocarbon stream. The method may be carried out at first and second locations, and NMR signals obtained at the two locations compared to detect precipitation of precipitant between the two locations. A method of monitoring the water content of a hydrocarbon stream in a flowline comprising introducing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon stream into an NMR measuring device, measuring a baseline NMR water signal of the hydrocarbon stream and comparing subsequent NMR water signals with the baseline NMR water signal to detect changes in the water content of the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a polarization filter and a polarization analyzer. The polarization filter comprises a first polarization axis. The polarization analyzer comprises a second polarization axis. The polarization filter is configured to polarize detection light for a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cell along the first polarization axis. The polarization analyzer is configured to receive the detection light from the NMR cell and pass a portion of the detection light to a processor for determination of angular rate information. The portion of the detection light passed to the processor is based on an orientation of the second polarization axis relative to the first polarization axis. The orientation is selected to maximize a signal-to-noise ratio of the detection light.

Abstract: Methods of determining an acquisition time adapted to a region of interest for a nuclear imaging process of a patient include detecting radiation from at least a first viewing angle during a first test amount of time, generating first test data from the detected radiation, reconstructing a nuclear event distribution from the first test data, determining a test signal-to-noise ratio for the reconstructed nuclear event distribution within the region of interest, and determining the acquisition time using the test signal-to-noise ratio and the first test amount of time.

Abstract: A transformer includes a flex or printed circuit board consisting of a substrate material having a desired permittivity, and at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding. Each winding is integrated with the flex or printed circuit board such that one or more respective transformer parasitic elements and the substrate permittivity between the primary and secondary windings together are tuned to a desired parallel resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating hydrated material in a fluid that contains water in which a stable nitroxide is attached to the hydrated material. A dynamic nuclear polarization process (DNP) is conducted on the hydrated material whereby to hyperpolarize the water. A polarization cell contains the hydrated material to obtain hyperpolarized water free from the nitroxide. The dynamic nuclear polarization process is conducted using components comprising a tunable, solid state high power X-band driver and an X-band resonator for microwave transmission to the hydrated material. The components can also include a radio-frequency nuclear magnetic resonance probe, a permanent magnet formed to receive the hydrated material, a portable nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, and an electron spin resonance detector. The components can be sized to be portable, and include electrical input and output and a lap-size hard-case with access to the electrical input and output.

Abstract: A method and system for the characterization of a magnetic element based on ferromagnetic resonance, the magnetic element presents ferromagnetic resonance and its own characteristic resonance frequency. The system includes mechanism for application of a low-frequency electromagnetic field in a given area; a mechanism for application of a high-frequency electromagnetic wave the same as the characteristic resonance frequency of the magnetic element in the same area; and a control unit configured so as to control the simultaneous application of the low-frequency electromagnetic field so that in response to the introduction of the magnetic element in the area the magnetic element absorbs the high-frequency electromagnetic wave with a frequency the same as that of the low-frequency electromagnetic field, so the wave is modulated.

Abstract: A method for estimating fluid productivity of a subsurface rock formation from within a wellbore drilled therethrough includes measuring a nuclear magnetic resonance property of the formation at a plurality of lateral depths therein. The measured nuclear magnetic resonance property is used to estimate the fluid productivity.

Abstract: A method for estimating fluid saturation in a formation penetrated by a wellbore from nuclear magnetic resonance measurements made at a plurality of lateral depths into the formation from the wellbore includes estimating a bound water volume, a total porosity and a free water volume at each of the lateral depths from the nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. A minimum water saturation is estimated at each lateral depth from the total porosity, the free water volume and the bound water volume at each lateral depth. A value of water saturation is estimated at each lateral depth from the minimum water saturation at each lateral depth. A relationship between lateral depth and water saturation is determined. Water saturation is estimated at a selected lateral depth greater than the greatest lateral depth of the nuclear magnetic resonance measurements.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an innovative data mining technique to identify precursory signals associated with earthquakes. It involves a multistrategy approach that employs one-dimensional wavelet transformations to identify singularities in data, and analyzes the continuity of wavelet maxima in time and space to determine the singularities that could be precursory signals. Surface Latent Heat Flux (SLHF) data may be used. A single prominent SLHF anomaly may be found to be associated some days prior to a main earthquake event.

Abstract: An atomic magnetometer that simultaneously achieves high sensitivity, simple fabrication and small size. This design is based on a diverging (or converging) beam of light that passes through an alkali atom vapor cell and that contains a distribution of beam propagation vectors. The existence of more than one propagation direction permits longitudinal optical pumping of atomic system and simultaneous detection of the transverse atomic polarization. The design could be implemented with a micro machined alkali vapor cell and light from a single semiconductor laser. A small modification to the cell contents and excitation geometry allows for use as a gyroscope.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance sensing apparatus and method for operating in an earth borehole comprises a source of switchable magnetic field to polarize nuclei in the region of interest, said source comprising a coil wound on a magnetic core having controllable residual magnetization. Maintaining the magnetization of the core during a polarization interval does not require steady current in the coil. Switching intensity and polarity of magnetization of the core causes precession of spin magnetic moments of the nuclei; the precession induces a signal indicative of nuclear magnetic resonance properties of earth formations.

Abstract: A system for measuring at least one of a temperature and a pressure of an earth formation is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a borehole and configured to be movable within the borehole; at least one nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurement device including a transmitter configured to emit a radiofrequency magnetic field having at least one selected frequency band into the earth formation to cause a component thereof to produce a NQR signal, and a detector configured to detect the NQR resonance signal; and a processor in operable communication with the measurement device and configured to generate NQR data from the NQR signal and calculate at least one of the temperature and the pressure of the earth formation therefrom. A method of measuring at least one of a temperature and a pressure of an earth formation is also enclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic tracking system, including at least one electromagnetic field receiver having at least one scalar-magnetometer, at least one electromagnetic field transmitter, and tracker electronics. Also provided is a method for electromagnetic tracking, including generating at least one magnetic field, sensing the at least one magnetic field with at least one scalar-magnetometer, and determining a relative position of the at least one scalar-magnetometer based on the sensed at least one magnetic field.

Abstract: Techniques for designing RF pulses may be configured to produce improved magnitude profiles of the resulting magnetization by relaxing the phase constraint and optimizing the phase profiles. In one embodiment, a spinor-based, optimal control, optimal phase technique may be used to design arbitrary-tip-angle (e.g., large and small tip angle) RF pulses (both parallel transmission and single channel). In another embodiment, small tip angle RF pulses (both parallel transmission and single channel) may be designed using a small-tip-angle (STA) pulse design without phase constraint that is formulated as a parameter optimization problem.

Abstract: Excitation-use high frequency RF generated by an RF oscillator is modulated by a modulator based on control by a pulse control unit, to give a pulse form. The generated RF pulse is then amplified by an RF amplifier, and set to a small-sized RF coil. The small-sized RF coil applies the RF pulse to a specific position of a sample placed on a sample stage, and detects echo signals of the RF pulse. The echo signal is amplified by a preamplifier, and is then sent to a phase detector. The phase detector detects the echo signal, and sent it via an A/D converter to an operation unit. The operation unit calculates T2 relaxation time constant based on intensity of the echo signal, and the water content at the predetermined position of the sample is calculated based on the calculated T2 relaxation time constant.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing a magnetic resonance images. In one embodiment, first and second sets of lines of magnetic resonance imaging signals are acquired. The acquired sets of lines have readout gradients that are reversed in polarity with respect to one another. A two-dimensional phase error is determined using the first and second set of lines.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet assembly and method of cooling a superconducting magnet assembly.

Abstract: A subsurface formation monitoring system comprises a conductive piping positioned within a borehole extending into the formation, a surface installed power and communication module, a downhole installed conductive casing or tubing sub comprising sensor(s) mounted on the sub, a data communication module for wireless communication of sensor measurements to the surface module, and a battery for providing power to the data communication module and the sensor. The surface module is coupled to the conductive piping and to a grounded return electrode coupled to the formation, and comprises an alternate current generator that defines an ingoing signal path along the conductive piping and sub, the ingoing signal flowing from the surface module to the sub and transmitting power from the generator to the sub. A return signal comprising sensor measurements is transmitted through a return signal path flowing from the sub to the surface module.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes a continuous film, a plurality of spin wave generators, and at least one signal detector. The continuous film includes at least one magnetic layer. The plurality of spin wave generators are provided on the continuous film in such a manner as to be in direct contact with the continuous film or be in contact with the continuous film while having an insulation layer interposed therebetween, and each has a contact surface with the continuous film in a dot shape and generates a spin wave in a region of the magnetic layer of the continuous film by receiving an input signal, the region being immediately under the contact surface. The signal detector is provided on the continuous film and detects, as an electrical signal, the spin waves generated by the spin wave generators and propagating through the continuous film.

Abstract: A method of generating a single photon, includes preparing an optical resonator including a resonator mode of a resonance angular frequency ?c, preparing a material contained in the optical resonator, including a low energy state |g> and a high energy state |e>, and including a transition angular frequency ?a between |g>?|e> that is varied by an external field, applying, to the material, light of an angular frequency ?l different from the resonance angular frequency ?c, and applying a first external field to the material to vary the transition angular frequency ?a to resonate with the angular frequency ?l, such that a state of the material is changed to |e>, and then applying a second external field to the material to vary the transition angular frequency ?a to resonate with the resonance angular frequency ?c, such that the state of the material is restored to |g>.

Abstract: The disclosure provides echo planar imaging (EPI) based single-shot imaging techniques for acquiring spin-EPI (SEPI) and stimulated-EPI after a single RF excitation. In certain embodiments, the SEPI and STEPI acquired in a singleshot are used to compute a T1 map in realtime, which can be used for realtime monitoring of concentrations of paramagnetic-ion based contrast agent in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. In certain embodiments, B1 field inhomogeneity correction is provided for the STEPI. In certain embodiments, a gradient-EPI (GEPI) is also acquired after the single RF excitation providing singleshot SEPI, GEPI and STEPI acquisition. In certain embodiments, the phase difference between the SEPI and GEPI is used to compute temperature-dependent chemical shift in a subject in realtime. The temperature-dependent chemical shift can be used to monitor temperature changes in the subject in realtime, for example, during a heat treatment to control the dosage of heat energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the spatial distribution of magnetic particles in an examination zone. According to this method a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field is generated which includes at least one zone (301) in which the magnetization of the particles is in a non-saturated state whereas the particles in the remaining zone are in a saturated state. Shifting this zone within the examination zone produces a change of the magnetization which can be externally detected and contains information concerning the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the examination zone.

Abstract: A method for spin magnetic resonance applications in general, and for performing NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and MRI (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging) in particular is disclosed. It is a quantum theory-based continuous precision method. This method directly makes use of spin magnetic resonance random emissions to generate its auto-correlation function and power spectrum, from which are derived spin relaxation times and spin number density using strict mathematical and physical equations. This method substantially reduces the NMR/MRI equipment and data processing complexity, thereby making NMR/MRI machines much less costly, much less bulky, more accurate, and easier to operate than the current pulsed NMR/MRI. By employing extremely low transverse RF magnetic B1 field (around 0.01 Gauss), MRI with this method is much safer for patients.

Abstract: System and methods for using nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) T1 measurements for wireline, LWD and MWD applications and down-hole NMR fluid analyzers. The T1 measurements are characterized by insensitivity to motion, as the detrimental effects arising from tool motion or fluid flow are effectively reduced or eliminated. T1 measurements alone or in combination with other standard oil field measurements are shown to provide efficient data acquisition resulting in compact and robust data sets, the potential for substantially increased logging speeds, and simple methods for fluid typing, including direct and robust identification of gas.

Abstract: Examining an object wherein magnetic particles are introduced into at least part of a target area of the object under examination, the target area having a first part with a magnetic field strength that keeps magnetic particles in a non-saturated state, and a second part with a second magnetic field strength that keeps the magnetic particles in a saturated state. A superposed oscillating or rotating magnetic field is generated at least partially in the first part-area to cause at least some magnetic particles to oscillate or rotate. The target area is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation and detected radiation includes reflected or scattered electromagnetic radiation, which is modulated by interaction with rotating or oscillating magnetic particles in the target area. The intensity, absorption or polarization of the detected electromagnetic radiation is determined as a function of change in rotation or oscillation of the magnetic particles due to modulation.

Abstract: An NMR logging tool for conducting NMR measurements in a plurality of sensitive volumes ranging up to a meter from the tool. The tool comprises a magnetic assembly using one or more permanent magnets and at least one pole piece for extending a magnet pole and shaping the magnetic field to simulate a magnetic monopole in a sensitive volume within the formation. Different embodiments of a segmented antenna enable directional NMR logging. The tool embodiments and methods of their use are suitable for wireline or LWD logging, and can be used for directional drilling.

Abstract: A magnetometer is constructed wherein the sweeping is performed at one half the Larmor frequency and has as its center the absorption line. This allows the emitter to tune onto the absorption line twice per cycle as it passes through the line. This causes the increase in absorption as would the normal sweep of a Bell-Bloom magnetometer but avoids the drawbacks, such as drift and heading error.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of magnetic beads is disclosed. By providing both a static magnetic field and a magnetic field that alternates in the MHz range, or beyond, the bead can be excited into FMR (ferromagnetic resonance). The appearance of the latter is then detected by a magneto-resistive type of sensor. This approach offers several advantages over prior art methods in which the magnetic moment of the bead is detected directly.

Abstract: An instrument for investigating properties of an earth formation includes a body housing a nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) probe, the probe having at least one coil wound around a core material and an electronics coupling, the body being adapted for insertion into a wellbore within the earth formation. A method and computer program product are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of enhanced magnetic preparation in MR imaging. An imaging technique is disclosed such that k-space is segmented into a number of partitions, wherein the central regions of k-space is acquired prior to the periphery of k-space. The imaging technique also includes the application of magnetic preparation pulses at a variable rate. In this regard, the rate of application of magnetic preparations pulses is varied as a function of the distance from the center of k-space. The amplitude of the magnetic preparation pulses is also varied based on the incremental distance of a partition from the center of k-space.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a nuclear spin-polarized noble gas by spin-polarizing a noble gas in the presence of an optical pumping catalyst under application of magnetic field and laser light, including a cell having a thin reaction chamber, a gas introduction conduit connected in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for feeding the noble gas, a gas discharge conduit connected in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, a first gate valve having an outlet port connected to the gas introduction conduit and an inlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with a noble gas introduction line, a second gate valve having an inlet port connected to the gas discharge conduit and an outlet port, and a capillary tube removably connected to the outlet port of the second valve for recovering a nuclear spin-polarized noble gas produced in the reaction chamber. The apparatus may be directly connected to NMR or MRI.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving the performance of a nuclear quadrupole resonance detection system by reducing, during reception, the coupling between one or more excitation coils that provide a radio frequency magnetic field that excites quadrupole nuclei, and one or more high temperature superconductor receive coils that detect the resulting nuclear quadrupole resonance signal.

Abstract: A system and method for probing a specimen to determine one or more components by utilizing a first signal to excite the specimen at a nuclear quadrupole resonant frequency and observing changes in a specimen property. One exemplary property may be dielectric constant. Another exemplary property may be magnetic permeability. In one embodiment, the first signal is unmodulated and a second signal is observed for the presence of modulation at the frequency of the first signal. Alternatively, the first signal may be modulated and the second signal may be observed for the presence of the modulation. A system is disclosed wherein the specimen is excited using the first frequency and a radar at the second frequency is used to observe changes in radar reflectivity of the specimen due to the excitation.

Abstract: A description is given of a bioreactor (1), in particular for NMR spectroscopy, comprising a container (7) capable of containing a cell culture, a first inlet line (6) for the inward flow of a culture medium to the inside of the container and a second outlet line (9, 10) for the outward flow of the culture medium from the container (7). The first line (6), an inlet line, is connected to a spiral-shaped device (12) which has a form such that when the medium is made to flow inside the first line (6) and made to flow out of the second line (9; 10), hydrostatic thrust and hydrodynamic forces produce with respect to the cells a condition of simulated reduced gravity inside the container (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection are provided. Embodiments can improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety and increase the safety of MRI facilities. Embodiments can detect a given magnetic field strength around a MRI machine and alert users to the field's presence. In an embodiment, the magnetic field warning system can rely on a single badge that warns its user. In another embodiment, the badge can utilize an RFID system. The RFID system can turn the badge on when it enters the MRI room and off when it leaves the MRI room. In another embodiment, a badge with a rechargeable battery and charger can be utilized with or without an RFID tag. The subject badges or other detection devices can be worn by a person, located on or near a ferrous object, embedded in clothing, or located in other positions convenient to a user.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A current lead for the superconducting magnet of a magnetic resonance system, the superconducting magnet being refrigerated by a cold head, has a positive current lead and a negative current lead electrically connected to the superconducting magnet for magnetization thereof. The cold head is electrically connected to the superconducting magnet and is used as one of the positive and negative current leads. The cold head is used as the positive current lead or the negative current lead so as to reduce the number of current leads as well as the heat conducted by the current lead, therefore it maintains a stable superconducting environment more efficiently. Furthermore, the cold head and the current lead can be provided in the same conduit without the need to design a separated turret tube and side tube, and the structure of the current leads of the superconducting magnet of the magnetic resonance system is simplified.

Abstract: A method for determining skin factor of a subsurface rock formation from within a wellbore drilled therethrough includes measuring a nuclear magnetic resonance property of the formation at a plurality of lateral depths therein. The measured nuclear magnetic resonance property is used to estimate the skin factor.

Abstract: An inspection system positions a balancing shim to asymmetrically balance a magnetic field generated by an inductive sensor, which forms part of the inspection system. Additionally, relays and capacitors used to tune the inductive sensor to a desired resonance frequency are geometrically arranged to minimize electrical interference generated by operation of the relays and capacitors. A shielding device, which may be formed on a printed circuit board, protects a magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor from external electromagnetic interference. A slot positioned in the inductive sensor may be used to tune a resonant mode of the inductive sensor to accurately and particularly detect metallic shanks and/or other metallic objects in shoes, socks, and/or clothing.

Abstract: Low field SQUID MRI devices, components and methods are disclosed. They include a portable low field (SQUID)-based MRI instrument and a portable low field SQUID-based MRI system to be operated under a bed where a subject is adapted to be located. Also disclosed is a method of distributing wires on an image encoding coil system adapted to be used with an NMR or MRI device for analyzing a sample or subject and a second order superconducting gradiometer adapted to be used with a low field SQUID-based MRI device as a sensing component for an MRI signal related to a subject or sample.