Assembly of a Low Field NMR Spectrometer (2016)
Undergraduates: Trevyn Larson, Patrick Doyle
Faculty Advisor: Alfred Kleinhammes
Department: Physics & Astronomy
Nuclear magnetic resonance is a critical technology for chemical and materials analysis as well as for medical imaging. Low field NMR is an emerging technology that makes the method available to a wide user base because of its low price tag, small size and mobility. This system is directed towards geophysical applications where it will be used in the field. A small magnet based on aligned permanent magnets producing a field of 0.1973 T at its center is paired with a home build NMR probe and controlled by a commercial spectrometer. The homogeneity of the magnet will be mapped and 1H NMR spectra of water will be recorded in homogeneous and gradient fields. 13C NMR spectra of solvents will determine the usefulness of the magnet for chemical analysis. A detailed description of the setup will be given. The overall goal is to establish a working system that can be used in the laboratory as well as a mobile unit that is employed in the field. In the future, this NMR can be tailored so as to allow for measurements of samples that are also measured by 4-electrode impedance spectroscopy, allowing for greater insight into electrochemical samples to be obtained through coupled measurements.