Frontiers in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Particle Imaging

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This proposal requests support for research that will explore fundamental questions related to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments conducted in very-low magnetic fields and opportunities related to a very new imaging modality, called Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). NMR is a very-well established experimental technique that uses magnetic fields to probe the nuclei of atoms. It has many applications in science, engineering, and medicine, and forms the basis for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MPI is in some respects similar to MRI. It also makes use of magnetic fields; but instead of probing nuclei, it is able to detect and rapidly map out the distribution of very small biocompatible magnetic particles. These particles are so small that they can be injected into the bloodstream as tracers, opening the door to what researchers hope will become powerful method for cardiovascular imaging. Three distinct but complementary lines of inquiry are proposed. Researchers will use very-low field (VLF) NMR to study complex magnetic interactions between atoms after first polarizing them with lasers, so that their nuclei end up being aligned in the same direction. This will lead to chaotic behaviour and will mimic poorly-understood processes that could limit the resolution of future-generation NMR spectrometers. Researchers will also draw on their expertise in the design of apparatus for VLF NMR and MRI to help advance the emerging and closely-related field of MPI. To this end, they have already constructed a prototype MPI system that can image small objects; they will now focus on issues ranging from the enhancement of sensitivity and image quality to understanding and circumventing factors that might limit the construction of a human-scale imaging system. Finally, the proposal will support continuing and long-term efforts by this group to develop and refine tools, techniques, and applications for VLF NMR and MRI.