Operating circuitry in magnetic resonance system

Abstract

In a general aspect, a magnetic resonance system is operated. In some examples, an amplifier circuit for a magnetic resonance system includes first and second switching devices, a high power amplifier (HPA) device, and a power combiner device. The first switching device comprises an input port and two output ports. The HPA device includes an HPA input port and an HPA output port. The HPA input port is coupled to a first output port of the first switching device. The second switching device includes an input port and an output port. The power combiner device includes two input ports, and an output port. A first input port of the power combiner device is coupled to an output port of the second switching device. A second input port of the power combiner device is coupled to a second output port of the first switching device along a path bypassing the HPA device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 483,407, entitled “Operating Circuitry in a Magnetic Resonance System,” filed on February 6, 2023. The above priority document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The following description relates to operating circuitry in a magnetic resonance system.

[0004] Magnetic resonance systems are used to study a variety of samples and phenomena. In some magnetic resonance applications, spins in the sample are polarized by a static external magnetic field, and a resonator manipulates the spins by generating a magnetic field at a frequency close to the spins' resonant frequency. Applications of magnetic resonance include, for example, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example magnetic resonance system.

[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example amplifier circuit.

[0007] Figure 3 is shown for operation Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating aspects of an example process for an example amplifier circuit is shown.

[0008] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit.

[0009] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit.

[0010] Figure 5 is shown for operation Figures 4A to 4B Flowchart of aspects of an example process for an example resonator circuit shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit.

[0012] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit.

[0013] Figure 7 is shown for operation Figures 6A to 6B Flowchart of aspects of an example process for an example resonator circuit shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B is a timing diagram illustrating aspects of an example control sequence. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In some aspects described herein, a magnetic resonance system includes electromagnetic circuitry that provides new or improved operational capabilities, which may include, for example, the ability to switch between various operating modes. In some examples, the magnetic resonance system includes hardware components and control logic that enable the magnetic resonance system to switch between a continuous wave (CW) mode of operation and a pulsed mode of operation. In some examples, the magnetic resonance system includes hardware components and control logic that enable the magnetic resonance system to switch between a mode for measuring a sample (e.g., using continuous wave or pulsed spectroscopy) and a mode for monitoring pulses (e.g., for transient digitization / correction, etc.). Other operating modes may also be utilized.

[0016] In some implementations, the electromagnetic circuit includes a switching device that allows the electronic circuit to switch between different states representing different operating modes of the magnetic resonance system. In some cases, the switching device has a fast switching time and is controlled by a digital control signal, which can reduce dead time and provide digitally controlled mode selection. In some cases, the electromagnetic circuit can operate at cryogenic temperatures, and the circuit can reduce the effects of room temperature noise and improve power efficiency. For example, in some examples, the switching device can be used in a cryogenic environment to prevent room temperature noise from reaching a cryogenic low noise amplifier (LNA) device, maximize power handling, or provide a combination of these and potentially other advantages. In some examples, the cryogenic LNA device is phase and amplitude stable.

[0017] In some implementations, the systems and techniques described herein provide technical advantages over existing technologies. For example, the size and complexity of electronic circuit components (e.g., of a high power amplifier device) can be reduced due to the more efficient conversion of voltage into a control field. In some implementations, the electromagnetic circuits described herein enable real-time monitoring of pulse transient behavior and transient impulse control, which can be used to improve the accuracy and precision of magnetic resonance control signals. In some implementations, the electromagnetic circuits described herein can allow, for example, switching between a pulsed operation mode and a CW operation mode on an arbitrary nanosecond time scale even within the same magnetic resonance experiment. In some cases, the systems and techniques described herein can provide shared hardware resources for magnetic resonance measurements in different modes; and can enable the ability to switch between a pulsed operation mode and a CW operation mode without modifying the hardware of the magnetic resonance system.

[0018] In some implementations, the systems and techniques described herein can allow for automated operation of magnetic resonance systems, which can include automatic (e.g., programmed) switching between different operating modes. Such automation can, for example, increase sample throughput by allowing system control with minimal or no human intervention or modification. In some implementations, the systems and techniques described herein can allow for closed-loop adaptive experimental design, for example, by integrating software and system control interfaces designed for ease of automation.

[0019] Aspects of the systems and techniques described herein can be applicable to various types of magnetic resonance systems. For example, the electromagnetic circuits or circuit elements can be applicable to nuclear magnetic resonance ("NMR") systems, electron paramagnetic resonance ("EPR") systems, or other types of magnetic resonance systems. As another example, all or part of the electromagnetic circuit can be deployed on a detector of a magnetic resonance system, or the electromagnetic circuit can be deployed in a detector-less magnetic resonance system. In some cases, the electromagnetic circuit (e.g., a resonator or other component) can be adapted to operate with liquid samples, solid samples, liquid crystal samples, biological samples (e.g., a blood sample), or other types of samples to be measured or otherwise analyzed by a magnetic resonance system. As another example, certain electromagnetic circuits can operate in cryogenic environments (e.g., at 77K, 4K, or other cryogenic temperatures below 273K), or the electromagnetic circuits can operate at non-cryogenic temperatures, including room temperature.

[0020] In some cases, the systems and techniques described herein can be compatible with a variety of different types of resonators, cryogenic systems, detector configurations, and other components in various magnetic resonance systems. For example, the electronic circuit can be designed to be compatible with non-superconducting resonators and superconducting resonators (which may include superconducting resonators made of various superconducting materials). The resonator can be, for example, a microstrip, cavity, coil, coplanar waveguide, or other types of resonators for magnetic resonance systems. In addition, the resonator can be, for example, a rectangular cavity resonator, a cylindrical cavity resonator, a dielectric resonator, a ring gap resonator, or any lumped element resonator. In some cases, the electronic circuits presented here can be deployed in various cryogenic systems (including, for example, compact closed loop systems, open loops, liquid cryogenic systems, etc.). In some cases, the electronic circuits presented here can be deployed in various compact detector designs, which can enable low-noise cryogenic receiver amplifiers to be used in various configurations without interfering with the sample replacement method. In some cases, a combination of these and potential other advantages and improvements can be obtained.

[0021] Aspects of the systems and techniques described herein can be applied to various types of applications. For example, the systems and techniques described herein can be used for structural biology measurements, for example, to measure the structural properties of proteins or protein complexes in biological samples (e.g., blood samples, urine samples, or other types of biological samples). Such measurements can be used in clinical applications such as diagnosis, treatment, drug discovery / development, and understanding the structure and function of membrane proteins, among other applications.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example magnetic resonance system 100. In general, the magnetic resonance system 100 may be an EPR system, an NMR system, or another type of magnetic resonance system. The example magnetic resonance system 100 includes a signal processing unit 102, a spectrometer unit (SPECT) 104, an amplifier unit (HPA) 106, a resonator unit (RES) 108, a receiver unit (REC) 110, a temperature control unit (TCU) 112, and a field control unit (FCU) 114. In some examples, the various units of the magnetic resonance system 100 may include associated electronic circuits and other components, including housings, ports, and the like. In some examples, the example magnetic resonance system 100 may include additional or different components, and these components may be arranged as shown or in other ways.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the signal processing unit 102 includes a controller unit 122, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) device 124, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) device 128, and a digital input / output (DIO) unit 130. In some examples, the signal processing unit 102 may include additional or different components, and these components may be arranged as shown or in other ways. For example, although Figure 1 Two DAC devices (124A, 124B) and two ADC devices (128A, 128B) are shown in FIG, but the signal processing unit 102 may include additional DACs and ADCs, additional DIO units, etc. In some examples, the ADC device 128B may be an auxiliary device and may be configured to receive and process signals from the ADC device 128B. Figure 1 The signal processing unit 102 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), a memory unit, and computer components. The one or more CPUs may interface with the controller unit 122 for sending control signals and receiving data, and may interface with the TCU 112 and the FCU 114. The CPUs may be controlled by software and execute preconfigured programs stored in the memory unit for conducting magnetic resonance experiments.

[0024] In some implementations, the controller unit 122 controls the output of the DAC device 124 and the input of the ADC device 128; generates digital control signals; and synchronizes phase and timing across several components in the magnetic resonance system 100. In the example shown, the signal processing unit 102 delivers analog control signals to the spectrometer unit 104. The analog control signals generated by the signal processing unit 102 can be implemented as amplitude, phase, and frequency modulation of an intermediate frequency (IF) carrier signal. In the example shown, the signal processing unit 102 also delivers digital control signals to other components in the magnetic resonance system 100 (e.g., the spectrometer unit 104, the amplifier unit 106, the resonator unit 108, the receiver unit 110, etc.). For example, the digital control signals can be delivered to a switching device (e.g., Figure 2 、 Figure 4A-4B and Figure 6A-Figure 6B The controller unit 122 may include a switching device 202, 206, 402, 406, 602, 606 in the controller unit 108 or other types of electronic components. The signal processing unit 102 may receive magnetic resonance detection signals and / or sensor output signals from the devices in the resonator unit 108. These signals may be received as amplitude, phase, and frequency modulation of an IF carrier and may be digitized for further processing (e.g., for measurement, pulse transient control and correction, etc.). In some examples, the controller unit 122 may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, a digital signal processing (DSP) unit, or other types of data processing equipment.

[0025] In some implementations, the controller unit 122 is configured to send digital signals to the DAC devices 124A, 124B; receive digital signals from the ADC devices 128A, 128B; and send digital control signals to the DIO unit 130. The signal processing unit 102 can be configured to perform signal averaging and digital signal processing. In particular, the controller unit 122 can be configured to generate amplitude-, phase-, and frequency-modulated AWG pulses at a digital intermediate frequency (IF). The output signals from the DAC devices 124A, 124B, the ADC devices 128A, 128B, and the DIO unit 130 can be synchronized in time (e.g., phase-coherent) and controlled by the controller unit 122 according to a pulse program. In some implementations, the acquisition of signals from the resonator devices in the resonator unit 108 can be phase-coherently digitized at the IF and digitally demodulated for phase-sensitive detection, which can also be controlled by the controller unit 122. In some implementations, the signal processing unit 102 enables digital pulse generation and detection utilizing time-synchronized, phase-coherent DAC, ADC, and DIO operations.

[0026] In the example shown, the DAC devices 124A, 124B are configured to generate analog IF I and Q quadrature control signals from digital IF signals, and the ADC devices 128A, 128B are configured to digitize magnetic resonance detection signals (e.g., spin signals) or sensor output signals and send the digitized signals to the controller unit 122 for processing. The example DIO unit 130 converts the digital control switching signals from the controller unit 122 into digital control signals. The digital control signals can be time-locked to the analog IF control signals generated at the DAC devices 124A, 124B and the magnetic resonance detection signals or sensor output signals received at the ADC device 128.

[0027] The spectrometer unit 104 may include microwave or radio frequency hardware components (e.g., switches, mixers, amplifiers, attenuators, etc.) that generate and receive microwave or radio frequency signals. For example, the spectrometer unit 104 may be configured to process single-sideband X-band (8 GHz to 12 GHz) signals. In some implementations, the spectrometer unit 104 includes: a low phase noise microwave synthesizer for generating a system master oscillator signal and an analog spectrometer local oscillator signal; an IQ mixer device for up-converting microwave control pulses into a single-sideband signal that can be applied to the resonator unit 108 and providing local oscillator rejection and image rejection (by and control); a bandpass filter device for suppressing noise outside the spectrometer bandwidth on the transmitter side; and other circuit components. In some implementations, the spectrometer unit 104 can receive the analog IF control signal from the signal processing unit 102 and output an up-converted magnetic resonance control signal. In some implementations, the magnetic resonance control signal has a frequency in the radio frequency or microwave range. Figure 1 In the example shown, the magnetic resonance control signal from the spectrometer unit 104 is passed to the amplifier unit 106 .

[0028] In some implementations, the amplifier unit 106 can be digitally controlled to quickly switch between a pulsed operation mode and a continuous wave operation mode. For example, the amplifier unit 106 can be digitally controlled by a digital control signal from the signal processing unit 102. In some examples, the amplifier unit 106 can include one or more switching devices and an HPA device. The example amplifier unit 106 includes an amplifier circuit that can be implemented as Figure 2 In some implementations, the amplifier unit 106 operates at an elevated temperature (eg, room temperature) outside of a cryogenic environment.

[0029] In some implementations, the resonator unit 108 operates in a cryogenic environment at one or more cryogenic temperatures (e.g., in a cryostat). In some implementations, the resonator unit 108 operates at an elevated temperature (e.g., room temperature) outside of the cryogenic environment. An example resonator unit 108 may include an amplifier device (e.g., a cryogenic LNA device) that may be integrated with or otherwise connected to the resonator device. The resonator unit 108 may be controlled to switch between operating modes, such as between a magnetic resonance measurement mode and a pulse transient digitization / correction mode. An example resonator unit 108 may include, for example, a resonator device for generating an electromagnetic field in a sample region of a magnetic resonance system, signal wiring for transmitting microwave signals and digital control signals, a cryogenic receiver assembly, and internal hardware for temperature setting and stabilization. The resonator unit 108 includes a resonator circuit that may be implemented as Figure 4A-4B 、 Figure 6A-Figure 6B Any of the example resonator circuits 400 , 430 , 600 , 630 in , or otherwise implemented herein.

[0030] In some implementations, the receiver unit 110 includes a mixer device for mixing a signal received from the resonator unit 108 (eg, a magnetic resonance detection signal from a resonator, a sensor signal from a sensor device) with a local oscillator frequency (f LO ) mixing to convert the received signal into an intermediate frequency (f IF ). The receiver unit 110 may further comprise filter means for removing unwanted frequency components, for example bandpass IF filter means which rejects the frequency value f from the mixer means. LO -f IF frequencies near the receiver bandwidth (±f IF ) other than the noise. Receiver unit 110 may also include other components, such as, for example, an IF amplifier device, a low-pass filter device, and other circuit components. In some implementations, receiver unit 110 is configured to down-convert the magnetic resonance detection signal or sensor signal into an IF signal. In some instances, receiver unit 110 includes various stages of filtering and amplification to reduce the noise bandwidth. Figure 1 The example receiver unit 110 shown can accept both a low-level spinning signal input and a high-level pulse transient digitizing input.

[0031] In some implementations, the TCU 112 can be configured and operated to monitor and stabilize the temperature of the cryogenic environment in which the resonator unit 108 resides. For example, the TCU 112 can use closed-loop feedback control to measure and stabilize the temperature of various components. In some instances, the FCU 114 can be configured and operated to monitor, stabilize, and change the primary magnetic field in the magnetic resonance system. The primary magnetic field is an external B0 field (quantization field) that is applied to the sample area and is generated by a primary magnet system, which can be implemented as an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet, or other type of magnet system. For example, the FCU 114 can use closed-loop feedback control to measure and stabilize the quantization magnetic field. The FCU 114 of the magnetic resonance system 100 may include a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field corresponding to X-band spin resonance (e.g., a field strength in the range of approximately 0 to 4000 G).

[0032] In some examples, the example magnetic resonance system 100 may include other components. For example, the magnetic resonance system 100 may include an electromagnetic power supply and Hall effect detectors that interface with the FCU 114 to receive control signals from the FCU 114 and apply appropriate currents to the primary magnet system. The example magnetic resonance system 100 may include a cryostat cooled by helium or nitrogen that can be maintained at a cryogenic temperature (e.g., equal to or less than 1 K or other cryogenic temperatures). In some examples, the cryostat of the example magnetic resonance system 100 includes internal control hardware for temperature setting and stabilization.

[0033] In some aspects of operation, a primary magnet system generates a primary magnetic field in a controlled environment of a sample region in the magnetic resonance system 100. The primary magnetic field is applied to a sample in the sample region, typically near a resonator in the resonator unit 108. In various implementations, the primary magnetic field can be uniform across the volume of the sample region. In some examples, a gradient system generates one or more gradient fields that vary spatially across the sample region. Typically, the primary magnetic field generated by the primary magnet system quantifies spin states and sets the Larmor frequency of the spin ensemble.

[0034] In some aspects of operation, the spin ensemble in the sample interacts with the resonator device in the resonator unit 108. For example, control of the spins in the sample can be achieved by a radio frequency or microwave magnetic field generated by the resonator device. The drive frequency can be tuned to the resonant frequency of the spins, which is determined by the strength of the primary magnetic field and the gyromagnetic ratio of the spins. The spins can be a collection of particles with non-zero spin that interact magnetically with the applied field. For example, the spin ensemble can include nuclear spins, electron spins, or a combination of nuclear spins and electron spins. Examples of nuclear spins include hydrogen nuclei (1H), carbon 13 nuclei (13C), etc. In some implementations, the spin ensemble is a collection of identical spin-1 / 2 free electron spins attached to a macromolecular ensemble.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the spectrometer unit 104 and the amplifier unit 106 are electromagnetically coupled to the resonator unit 108 (e.g., via a coaxial cable, a waveguide, etc.) and are adapted to communicate with the resonator unit 108. For example, the amplifier unit 106 may be adapted to provide a voltage or current signal that drives the resonator in the resonator unit 108. Figure 1 In the example shown, the receiver unit 110 acquires magnetic resonance data based on a control signal delivered to the resonator unit 108. For example, the receiver unit 110 may receive magnetic resonance detection signals generated by the interaction between the resonator and a sample contained in the resonator unit 108 based on a magnetic resonance control signal received at the resonator device.

[0036] In some cases, the signal processing unit 102 communicates with a computer system. The computer system can include one or more digital electronic controllers, microprocessors, or other types of data processing devices. The computer system can include memory, a processor, and can operate as a general-purpose computer, or the computer system can operate as a special-purpose device. The computer system can be used to generate control sequences (e.g., pulse sequences), analyze or display data, obtain pulse programs or user input (e.g., through a user interface, through a communication port, or otherwise), or other types of operations.

[0037] In some aspects of operation, the example magnetic resonance system 100 operates in a continuous wave (CW) mode of operation, for example using CW EPR spectroscopy or CW NMR spectroscopy methods. In a typical continuous wave (CW) spectroscopy experiment, a resonator applies a low-power, continuous excitation field (e.g., a radio frequency or microwave frequency Rabi field) to a sample for a relatively long period of time (e.g., relative to a characteristic relaxation time) in order to force the spin ensemble to a steady state. The resonant frequency of the spins is scanned over a range (by sweeping the primary magnetic field), and the resulting response spectrum is measured.

[0038] In some aspects of operation, the example magnetic resonance system 100 operates in a pulsed operating mode (e.g., using pulsed EPR spectroscopy or pulsed NMR spectroscopy methods). In a typical pulsed spectroscopy experiment, a resonator applies a series of intense, high-power pulses (e.g., radio frequency or microwave pulses) to a sample while the primary magnetic field is held constant. The resulting spin state can then be observed, for example, by acquiring free induction decays (FIDs), which can then be Fourier transformed to obtain a spectrum.

[0039] The example magnetic resonance system 100 includes electronic components for a CW mode of operation and a pulsed mode of operation, which allows the system 100 to switch between these modes of operation without hardware modification or other intervention. For example, the controller unit 122 can switch the amplifier unit 106 and the resonator unit 108 from a CW mode of operation to a pulsed mode of operation, or vice versa; the operating mode can be selected by controlling one or more of the digital control signals generated by the DIO unit 130, for example.

[0040] In some aspects of operation, the example magnetic resonance system 100 operates in a normal magnetic resonance measurement mode. For example, the magnetic resonance system 100 can perform CW EPR or CW NMR spectroscopy measurements, pulsed ESR or pulsed NMR spectroscopy measurements, or other types of magnetic resonance experiments. In these operating modes, a magnetic resonance control signal is delivered to the resonator (in the resonator unit 108), which causes the resonator to generate a magnetic resonance control field (e.g., a pulsed or CW field) that is applied to the spins in the sample; a magnetic resonance detection signal (e.g., due to the interaction between the spins and the resonator) is obtained and processed to measure the response of the spins to the control field.

[0041] In some aspects of operation, the example magnetic resonance system 100 operates in a pulsed observation mode of operation (also known as a pulsed transient digitization / correction mode). In the pulsed observation mode, magnetic resonance control signals are delivered to the resonators (in the resonator unit 108) in order to observe the magnetic resonance control signals delivered to the resonators and / or observe the magnetic resonance control fields generated by the resonators. By observing the magnetic resonance control signals at the resonators and / or observing the magnetic resonance control fields generated by the resonators, the control signals can be more accurately calibrated and errors can be corrected. Typically, the magnetic resonance control signals as seen by the resonators in the resonator unit 108 are not identical to the magnetic resonance control signals as generated by the spectrometer unit 104. Similarly, the magnetic resonance control fields as seen by the samples in the resonator unit 108 are not identical to the predicted control fields. These types of differences can be measured (e.g., by digitizing and analyzing the observed signals), and enhanced control techniques can be implemented to improve the precision and accuracy of the control implemented by the magnetic resonance control signals. For example, the control sequence can be calibrated to account for pulsed transients and other types of noise.

[0042] The example magnetic resonance system 100 includes electronic components for both a normal operating mode and a pulsed observation operating mode, which allows the system 100 to switch between operating modes without hardware modification or other intervention. For example, the controller unit 122 can cause the resonator unit 108 to switch from a pulsed observation operating mode to a normal operating mode, or vice versa; for example, the operating mode can be selected by controlling one or more of the digital control signals generated by the DIO unit 130. As an example, the magnetic resonance system 100 can be operated in a pulsed observation mode to observe (and potentially account for) pulsed transients or other types of phenomena, and then switch to a normal magnetic resonance measurement mode to measure a sample.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example amplifier circuit 200. In some implementations, the example amplifier circuit 200 is deployed as part of a magnetic resonance system, for example, in Figure 1 The example amplifier circuit 200 can be used in a magnetic resonance experiment and is configured to switch the magnetic resonance system between a continuous wave operation mode and a pulsed operation mode. Figure 2As shown, the example amplifier circuit 200 includes various circuit components, including a first switch device (SW1) 202, a high power amplifier (HPA) device 204, a second switch device (SW2) 206, a bandpass filter device (BPF) 208, and a power combiner device (PC) 210, which are arranged between an input port 212A and an output port 212B of the amplifier circuit 200. In some implementations, the example amplifier circuit 200 includes an interface configured to connect the circuit components to each other, for example, via a waveguide, a coaxial cable, a metal wire or feed line, or other type of signal line.

[0044] In some instances, the example amplifier circuit 200 resides in an elevated temperature (e.g., room temperature) environment outside of the cryogenic environment in which the resonator device and possibly other portions of the magnetic resonance system reside. In some implementations, the example amplifier circuit 200 receives a signal at input port 212A from (e.g., Figure 1 The spectrometer circuit in the spectrometer unit 104 receives the magnetic resonance control signal and delivers the output signal to (eg, Figure 1 The example amplifier circuit 200 may include additional or different components, and these components may be arranged as shown or in other ways. For example, a bandpass filter device and a limiter device may be configured at various locations in the amplifier circuit 200. In some examples, the example amplifier circuit 200 may be configured according to Figure 3 The example processing 300 in the operation, based on Figures 8A to 8B The type of control sequence shown or otherwise operates.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the first switch device 202 has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a control port; the HPA device 204 has an HPA input port and an HPA output port; the second switch device 206 includes an input port, an output port, and a control port; and the power combiner device 210 includes a first input port, a second input port, and an output port. The input ports and output ports of the various circuit components of the amplifier circuit 200 are represented by Figure 2, which are shown as arrows on signal lines connecting between circuit components. In the example shown, an input port of first switch device 202 is coupled to input port 212A of amplifier circuit 200; a first output port of first switch device 202 is coupled to the HPA input port of HPA device 204; and the HPA output port of HPA device 204 is coupled to an input port of second switch device 206. Furthermore, an output port of second switch device 206 may be coupled to a first input port of power combiner device 210; a second output port of first switch device 202 is coupled to a second input port of power combiner device 210; and an output port of power combiner device 210 is coupled to output port 212B of amplifier circuit 200.

[0046] In the example amplifier circuit 200, the bandpass filter device 208 allows the passing of input signals within a specified frequency range to, for example, remove switching transients. In some examples, the bandpass filter device 208 can have a center frequency at or near the spin resonance frequency f0 and a bandwidth 4f IF Alternatively, the bandpass filter device 208 may have other characteristics (e.g., a larger bandwidth). The bandpass filter device 208 may reside at various locations within the example amplifier circuit 200. For example, the bandpass filter device 208 may reside between the HPA device 204 and the second switch device 206. In this case, the input port of the bandpass filter device 208 is coupled to the HPA output port of the HPA device 204, and the output port of the bandpass filter device 208 is coupled to the input port of the second switch device 206. For example, the bandpass filter device 208 may reside between the second switch device 206 and the power combiner device 210. In this case, the input port of the bandpass filter device 208 is coupled to the output port of the second switch device 206, and the output port of the bandpass filter device 208 is coupled to the first input port of the power combiner device 210. As another example, the bandpass filter device 208 may reside between the power combiner device 210 and the output port 212B. In this case, the input port of the bandpass filter arrangement 208 is coupled to the output port of the power combiner arrangement 210, and the output port of the bandpass filter arrangement 208 is coupled to the output port 212B of the example amplifier circuit 200. In some examples, the bandpass filter arrangement 208 can be coupled to the remaining components of the amplifier circuit 200 in a different manner.

[0047] In some implementations, the example amplifier circuit 200 includes one or more control ports 214 for receiving control signals. Figure 2As shown, the example amplifier circuit 200 includes a first control port 214A connected to the control port of the first switch device 202 and a second control port 214B connected to the control port of the second switch device 206. In some implementations, the example amplifier circuit 200 is connected to the first control port 214A and the second control port 214B, for example, from Figure 1 The signal processing unit 102 of the magnetic resonance system 100 receives digital control signals. For example, each of the digital control signals may be a transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal having two TTL logic levels. In this case, the digital control signal is a single-bit control signal and has two states. When the TTL signal is in a first state (e.g., a voltage in the range of 1.5-5 volts (V)), the TTL logic level is a digital "1" or a logic high level; and similarly, when the TTL signal is in a second state (e.g., a voltage in the range of 0-0.7 V), the TTL logic level is a digital "0" or a logic low level. In some examples, the TTL logic levels may be in other ranges, and the digital control signals received at the first control port 214A and the second control port 214B may be other types of digital signals. In some implementations, the switching time of the first switching device 202 and the second switching device 206, which enables switching between the pulsed operating mode and the continuous wave operating mode, may be on the nanosecond (ns) timescale, the tens of ns timescale, or other timescales.

[0048] In some implementations, the input port and output port of the switching device can be selectively coupled or decoupled based on the state of a digital control signal. When the switching device is configured to pass a signal from the input port to the output port with no attenuation or negligible attenuation, the input port of the switching device can be considered coupled to the output port of the switching device. Similarly, when the switching device is configured to provide negligible signal transmission from the input port to the output port of the switching device, the input port of the switching device can be considered decoupled from the output port of the switching device; for example, the switching device can completely block the signal or significantly attenuate the signal (e.g., with an attenuation level equal to or greater than a threshold). In some examples, the threshold value of the attenuation level of the signal between the input port and the output port of the first switching device 202 is equal to or greater than 30 dB; and the threshold value of the attenuation level of the signal between the input port and the first output port or the second output port of the second switching device 206 is equal to or greater than 50 dB. The switching devices (202, 206) can be implemented with other properties (e.g., higher or lower thresholds).

[0049] In some implementations, the first switching device 202 is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in the state of a first digital control signal at the first control port 214A. When the first digital control signal received at the first switching device 202 is in the first state (e.g., a logic high level), the first switching device 202 is in a first state in which the input port is coupled to the first output port of the first switching device 202. While the first switching device 202 is in the first state, the first switching device 202 delivers the magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the first switching device 202 to the first output port of the first switching device 202 with no or negligible attenuation. In the first state of the first switching device 202, the input port of the first switching device 202 is also decoupled from the second output port of the first switching device 202. When the input port of the first switching device 202 is decoupled from the second output port of the first switching device 202, the signal path defined in the first switching device 202 between the input port and the second output port provides sufficient attenuation such that the transmission of the magnetic resonance control signal on the signal path is negligible; and in fact, no output signal or a negligible output signal is present at the second output port of the first switching device 202. In this case, the magnetic resonance control signal at the input port 212A of the amplifier circuit 200 is the first magnetic resonance control signal received from the spectrometer circuit at the input port 212A. In some implementations, the first magnetic resonance control signal can be, for example, a high-power microwave pulse of a given frequency v in a constant magnetic field B0 for pulsed magnetic resonance measurement.

[0050] Similarly, when the first digital control signal is in a second state (e.g., a logic low), the first switching device 202 is in a second state that couples the input port of the first switching device 202 to the second output port of the first switching device 202. This allows the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port of the first switching device 202 to the second output port of the first switching device 202 with no or negligible attenuation. In the second state of the first switching device 202, the input port of the first switching device 202 is also decoupled from the first output port of the first switching device 202. When the input port of the first switching device 202 is decoupled from the first output port of the first switching device 202, the signal path defined in the first switching device 202 between the input port and the first output port provides sufficient attenuation such that the transmission of the input signal on the signal path is negligible; and in fact, no output signal or a negligible output signal is present at the first output port of the first switching device 202. In this case, the input signal at the input port 212A of the amplifier circuit 200 is the second magnetic resonance control signal received from the spectrometer unit 104 of the magnetic resonance system 100. In some implementations, the second magnetic resonance control signal may be a microwave irradiation field with a constant frequency v and a swept external magnetic field B0 for continuous wave magnetic resonance measurement (or a microwave irradiation field with a constant field B0 and a swept frequency v).

[0051] Thus, when the first switching device 202 is in the second state, a second magnetic resonance control signal received at the first switching device 202 is passed on a path that bypasses the HPA device 204, such that noise from the HPA device 204 does not degrade the second magnetic resonance control signal. In some implementations, the switching time of the first switching device 202 is in the range of 5-20 ns, equal to or less than 200 ns, equal to or less than 1 microsecond (μs), or within other ranges. In some implementations, the first switching device 202 can receive and handle magnetic resonance control signals having power values ​​up to 1 watt (W) or within other ranges.

[0052] In some examples, the first switching device 202 has two or more states. For example, the first switching device 202 is switched to a third state in which the input port of the first switching device 202 is coupled to the second output port of the first switching device 202, which allows the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port of the first switching device 202 to the second output port of the first switching device 202 with no or negligible attenuation. In the third state of the first switching device 202, the input port of the first switching device 202 is also coupled to the first output port of the first switching device 202 with attenuation (e.g., in the range of 40-50 dB or other ranges). In some examples, the attenuated magnetic resonance control signal at the first output port of the first switching device 202 can be used for a magnetic resonance system or other processing.

[0053] In some implementations, the HPA device 204 receives the magnetic resonance control signal from the first output node of the first switching device 202 , amplifies the received magnetic resonance control signal, and transmits the amplified magnetic resonance control signal to the second switching device 206 .

[0054] In some implementations, during continuous wave magnetic resonance measurements, e.g. Figure 8A , the first switching device 202 and the second switching device 206 are in the second state during the same time period (t1-t0) according to the state of the digital control signal received at the control port. In some implementations, the second switching device 206 is configured for HPA blanking during pulsed magnetic resonance measurement. For example, when the first digital control signal at the first control port 214A and the second digital control signal at the second control port 214B are both for the first time period (e.g., Figure 8B When the second switching device 206 is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level) for t4-t0 in FIG1 , the input port of the second switching device 206 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 206; and during a first time period, the amplified magnetic resonance control signal is delivered from the input port of the second switching device 206 to the output port of the second switching device 206; and when the second switching device 206 is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level) for t4-t0 in FIG1 , the input port of the second switching device 206 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 206; and during a first time period, the amplified magnetic resonance control signal is delivered from the input port of the second switching device 206 to the output port of the second switching device 206; Figure 8B When the first digital control signal at the first control port 214A remains in the first state and the second digital control signal switches to the second state (e.g., a logic low level) during the period t4-t1, the input port of the second switching device 206 is decoupled from the output port of the second switching device 206, and the amplified magnetic resonance control signal is blanked during the second time period (e.g., the amplified magnetic resonance control signal at the output port of the second switching device 206 is negligible). In some implementations, such as Figure 8B As shown, the second time period includes at least the dead time (t dead= t2-t1), and acquisition time (t acq = t3 - t2). In some implementations, the switching time of the second switching device 206 is in the range of 5-20 ns, equal to or less than 200 ns, equal to or less than 1 μs, or within other ranges. In some implementations, the second switching device 206 can receive and handle input signals having a power of up to 1 W or within other ranges. In some examples, the second switching device 206 can be configured to handle higher powers, for example, in the range of greater than 1 W, up to tens of watts, up to 10 kilowatts (kW), or within other ranges depending on the power of the HPA device 204.

[0055] In some implementations, the first switch device 202 is a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch device, and the second switch device 206 is a single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switch device. In some examples, the first switch device 202 and the second switch device 206 can each be another type of switch device. For example, the first switch device 202 and the second switch device 206 can each have any number of poles, any number of throws, and any number of input ports, output ports, and control ports. In some examples, the first switch device 202 and the second switch device 206 can each include more than two states. In some examples, the control ports of each of the first switch device 202 and the second switch device 206 can interface with a single-bit control line, a two-bit control line, or other multi-bit control line to receive different types of digital control signals.

[0056] In some implementations, the power combiner device 210 combines signals received at a first input port and a second input port of the power combiner device 210 and passes the combined signal to an output port of the power combiner device 210 (eg, output port 212B of the example amplifier circuit 200 ).

[0057] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating aspects of the example process 300. For example, the example process 300 may be performed to operate an amplifier circuit. For example, the operations in the example process 300 may be performed by operating Figure 2 The example process 300 may include additional or different operations (including operations performed by additional or different components), and these operations may be performed in a manner similar to that of the example amplifier circuit 200 shown or corresponding circuit components in other amplifier circuits. Figure 3 In some cases, the operations in the example process 300 may be combined, iterated, or otherwise repeated or performed during a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0058] In some cases, Figure 3The operations in the illustrated example process 300 are implemented as a process for providing nanosecond switching between two different operating modes (e.g., a pulsed mode and a continuous wave mode) in magnetic resonance measurements; and processing corresponding magnetic resonance control signals in the different modes and then delivering them to resonator devices (e.g., Figure 4A-4B and 6A- Figure 6B 4. The resonator devices 404, 434, 604, 634 of the resonator circuits 400, 430, 600, 630 in FIG.

[0059] At 302, a signal is received. Figure 3 As shown, operation 302 includes two sub-operations 302A and 302B. During sub-operation 302A, at the input port 212A of the amplifier circuit 200, for example, Figure 1 The spectrometer unit 104 of the magnetic resonance system 100 receives the magnetic resonance control signal. During sub-operation 302B, at the control ports 214A, 214B of the amplifier circuit 200, for example, Figure 1 The signal processing unit 102 of the magnetic resonance system 100 receives the digital control signal.

[0060] At 304, the state of the circuit components is controlled based on the digital control signal. In some implementations, the state of the first switching device 202 and the second switching device 206 in the amplifier circuit 200 is controlled based on the state of the received digital control signal. For example, when the received magnetic resonance control signal is for pulsed magnetic resonance measurement and the digital control signal on the first switching device 202 is in a first state (e.g., a logic high level), Figure 2 In the example amplifier circuit 200 of FIG. 1 , the first switching device 202 is in a first state. When the first switching device 202 is in the first state, the input port 212A is coupled to the first output port of the first switching device 202, allowing the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port 212A to the first output port of the first switching device 202 with little or no attenuation. In the first state of the first switching device 202, the input port of the first switching device 202 is also decoupled from the second output port of the first switching device 202. In some implementations, the digital control signal applied to the first switching device 202 is a single-digit control signal or other type of digital control signal. Furthermore, when the magnetic resonance control signal is used for pulsed magnetic resonance measurement, the digital control signal on the second switching device 206 is in a first state (e.g., a logic high level), and the second switching device is in the first state. When the second switching device 206 is in the first state, the input port of the second switching device 206 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 206 with little or no attenuation. In some examples, the second switching device 206 can be switched to the second state for HPA blanking.

[0061] For another example, when the magnetic resonance control signal received at amplifier circuit 200 is for continuous-wave magnetic resonance measurement, the digital control signal received by first switching device 202 at control port 214A is in a second state (e.g., a logic low level), and first switching device 202 is in the second state. When first switching device 202 is in the second state, input port 212A is coupled to the second output port of first switching device 202, allowing the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from input port 212A to the second output port of first switching device 202 with no or negligible attenuation. In the second state of first switching device 202, the input port of first switching device 202 may also be decoupled from the first output port of first switching device 202. In some examples, when the magnetic resonance control signal is for continuous-wave magnetic resonance measurement, the digital control signal received by second switching device 206 at control port 214B is in a second state (e.g., a logic low level). When second switching device 206 is in the second state, the input port of second switching device 206 is decoupled from the output port of second switching device 206.

[0062] At 306, the magnetic resonance control signal is processed based on the states of the circuit components of the amplifier circuit 200. The magnetic resonance control signal may be processed in two subroutines (e.g., a first subroutine 320 including operations 310, 312, 314 for processing the magnetic resonance control signal for pulsed magnetic resonance measurements and a second subroutine 322 including operation 316 for continuous wave magnetic resonance measurements).

[0063] At 310, the first switching device 202 and the second switching device 206 are in a first state, and a magnetic resonance control signal is passed to the HPA device 204. Specifically, the magnetic resonance control signal is passed from the input port of the first switching device 202 to the first output port of the first switching device 202, which is coupled to the HPA input port of the HPA device 204. The HPA device 204 is configured to amplify the magnetic resonance control signal. The first subroutine 320 continues with operation 312, during which the magnetic resonance control signal is amplified by the HPA device 204, and operation 314, during which the amplified magnetic resonance control signal is passed to the power combiner device 210. The second subroutine 322 includes operation 316, during which the first switching device 202 and the second switching device 206 are in a second state, and the magnetic resonance control signal is passed directly from the first switching device 202 to the power combiner device 210, bypassing the HPA device 204.

[0064] At 308, the output of the power combiner device 210 is delivered to a resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system (eg, in the resonator unit 108 of the magnetic resonance system 100). Figure 1 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 6A-Figure 6B 400, 430, 600, 630 in the resonator circuits 400, 430, 600, 630).

[0065] In some cases, operations 302, 304, 306, and 308 in the example process 300 are performed as an iterative process, wherein each iteration includes: receiving a magnetic resonance control signal and a digital control signal; controlling a state of a circuit component based on the digital control signal; processing the magnetic resonance control signal based on the state of the circuit component; and delivering the magnetic resonance control signal from the power combiner device to the resonator circuit where the resonator device resides. Each iteration of the iterative process may include additional operations. During each iteration, a different subroutine 320, 322 may be selected based on the state of the circuit component and used to process the magnetic resonance control signal depending on the operating mode of the magnetic resonance measurement to be performed. Operations 302, 304, 306, and 308 may be repeated arbitrarily and in any order during the same magnetic resonance experiment or multiple magnetic resonance experiments.

[0066] In some examples, the first subroutine 320 and the second subroutine 322 may include additional operations. For example, when the amplifier circuit 200 includes a bandpass filter device 208, which may reside at various locations within the amplifier circuit 200, the first subroutine 320 may include operating the bandpass filter device 208 to filter the first magnetic resonance control signal. For example, the amplified first magnetic resonance control signal may be passed through the bandpass filter device 208 before being passed to the power combiner device 210. When the bandpass filter device 208 is coupled between the power combiner device 210 and the output port 212B, the example process 300 may include operations subsequent to operation 308 during which the output of the power combiner device 210 is filtered by the operation of the bandpass filter device 208.

[0067] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit 400 for a magnetic resonance system. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 400 is deployed as part of a magnetic resonance system, for example, in Figure 1In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 400 provides integration of a cryogenic low noise amplifier device with a resonator device and is configured to perform nanoscale switching between a normal operating mode (e.g., pulsed / continuous wave mode) and a pulse transient digitization / correction mode in magnetic resonance measurements. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 400 allows sequential acquisition of pulse transient fields and spin signals in the same experiment.

[0068] like Figure 4A As shown, the example resonator circuit 400 includes a first switch device (SW3) 402, a resonator device (RES) 404, a second switch device (SW4) 406, a band pass filter device (BPF) 408, a limiter device (LIM) 410, and a low noise amplifier (LNA) device 412. Figure 4A As shown, the example resonator device 404 is a two-port device that includes an input port, an output port, and a resonator configured between the input port and the output port. The resonator is configured to operate in a transmit mode, for example, receiving a signal from the input port and generating an output signal from the output port. The first switching device 402 includes an input port, an output port, and a control port. The second switching device 406 includes an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a control port. The input port of the first switching device 402 receives a signal from an amplifier circuit (e.g., Figure 2 The example amplifier circuit 200 in FIG. 1 or otherwise) receives a magnetic resonance control signal. An input port of the resonator device 404 is coupled to an output port of the first switching device 402. An input port of the second switching device 406 is coupled to an output port of the resonator device 404. The resonator circuit 400 also includes a first control port 424A and a second control port 424B. The control port of the first switching device 402 is coupled to the first control port 424A of the resonator circuit 400; and the control port of the second switching device 406 is coupled to the second control port 424B of the resonator circuit 400. In some examples, the first switching device 402 may be omitted.

[0069] In the example resonator circuit 400, the bandpass filter device 408 and the limiter device 410 each include a corresponding input port and an output port. Figure 4AAs shown, the input port of the bandpass filter device 408 is coupled to the first output port of the second switching device 406. The input port of the limiter device 410 is coupled to the output port of the bandpass filter device 408. The LNA device 412 includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to the output port of the limiter device 410. The LNA output port is also coupled to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system at a second port 422B. The second output port of the second switching device 406 is coupled to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system at a third port 422C.

[0070] In some examples, the first output port of the second switching device 406 can be coupled directly to the input port of the limiter device 410 without passing through the bandpass filter device 408 (e.g., the bandpass filter device 408 can be omitted). In some examples, the bandpass filter device 408 can be coupled to the remaining components of the resonator circuit 400 in a different manner. For example, the input port of the bandpass filter device 408 can be coupled to the output port of the resonator device 404, and the output port of the bandpass filter device 408 can be coupled to the input port of the second switching device 406. In this case, the first output port of the second switching device 406 can be directly coupled to the input port of the limiter device 410. In some implementations, the bandpass filter device 408 can be implemented as Figure 2 The bandpass filter device 208 in the embodiment may be implemented in other ways.

[0071] exist Figure 4A , the input and output ports of the circuit components of the example resonator circuit 400 are indicated by arrows on the signal connections between the circuit components. In some examples, the signal connections between the circuit components of the resonator circuit 400 include waveguides, coaxial cables, metal wires or feed lines, or other types of signal lines. In some examples, the example resonator circuit 400 resides in a cryogenic environment at a cryogenic temperature where the resonator resides. In some examples, at least a portion of the resonator circuit 400 resides in an environment different from the resonator device 404. For example, the first and second switch devices 402, 406, and the LNA device 412 may reside outside of the cryostat where the resonator device 404 resides, for example, at room temperature. In some examples, the example resonator circuit 400 may include additional or different components, and these components may be arranged as shown or in other ways.

[0072] In some implementations, the state of the first digital control signal at the first control port 424A determines the state of the first switching device 402. For example, when the first digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the first switching device 402 is in the first state. When the first switching device 402 is in the first state, the input port of the first switching device 402 is coupled to the output of the first switching device 402, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port of the first switching device 402 to the output port of the first switching device 402. When the first digital control signal is in a second state (e.g., at a logic low level), the first switching device 402 is in a second state. When the first switching device 402 is in the second state, the input port of the first switching device 402 is decoupled from the output of the first switching device 402, thereby preventing the magnetic resonance control signal from being delivered to the output port of the first switching device 402. In some examples, signal noise, such as from the amplifier circuit 200 residing at room temperature, may be received at the first port 422A of the resonator circuit 400. The first switching device 404 is configured to isolate and block signal noise and thermal noise from reaching the resonator device 404 and the rest of the magnetic resonance system during signal acquisition. In some implementations, the first switching device 402 is a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switching device, or other types of switching devices that can be controlled by other types of digital control signals. In some implementations, the first switching device 402 can be implemented as Figure 2 The second switching device 206 of the amplifier circuit in the embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in other ways.

[0073] In some implementations, the state of the second digital control signal at the second control port 424B determines the state of the second switching device 406. For example, when the second digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the second switching device 406 is in the first state. When the second switching device 406 is in the first state, the input port of the second switching device 406 is coupled to the first output port of the second switching device 406, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance detection signal received from the output port of the resonator device 404 to be delivered from the input port of the second switching device 406 to the first output port of the second switching device 406. At the same time, for example, when the attenuation value between the signal level at the input port of the second switching device 406 and the signal level at the second output port of the second switching device 406 is greater than 60 dB, the input port is decoupled from the second output port. In the first state of the second switching device 406, the magnetic resonance detection signal from the resonator device 404 can be delivered to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system and used for continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurement.

[0074] When the second digital control signal is in a second state (e.g., at a logic low level), the second switching device 406 is in a second state. When the second switching device 406 is in the second state, the input port of the second switching device 406 is coupled to the second output port of the second switching device 406, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance detection signal received from the output port of the resonator device 404 to be delivered to the second output port of the second switching device 406. At the same time, the input port of the second switching device 406 is decoupled from the first output port of the second switching device 406. In the second state of the second switching device 406, the magnetic resonance detection signal from the resonator device 404 can be passed to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system in a path that bypasses the LNA device 412; and the magnetic resonance detection signal can be used to digitize pulse transients and further used to correct or tune the magnetic resonance control signal received at the first port 422A of the resonator circuit 400.

[0075] In some implementations, the second switching device 406 is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switching device. In some examples, the second switching device 406 can be implemented as Figure 2 In some implementations, the first switching device 402 and the second switching device 404 are low temperature switching devices. In some examples, the output at the third port 422C of the resonator circuit 400 can be provided by Figure 1 The first state and the second state of the second switching device 406 can be switched any number of times in a controlled manner during a single experiment. In some implementations, the second switching device 406 is configured to protect the LNA device 412 from high power pulses (receiver blanking) and provide a bypass of the LNA device 412 for digitizing pulse transients. In some examples, the first switching device 402 and the second switching device 406 can be switched according to Figures 8A to 8B The control sequence shown is used to operate.

[0076] In some implementations, when performing continuous wave magnetic resonance measurements, the first digital control signal and the second digital control signal received at the first switching device 402 and the second switching device 406 are as follows: Figure 8A The first switching device 402 is in the first state during the same time period (t1-t0) as shown; and when performing pulsed magnetic resonance measurement, the first switching device 402 is in the first state during the first time period (t1-t0) and in the second state during the second time period (t4-t1); and the second switching device 406 is in the third time period (t acq =t3-t2) is in the first state. In some implementations, such as Figure 8B As shown, the third time period tacq dead time (t dead = t2 - t1) from the first time period and t3 < t4. During the first time period (t1 - t0), since the ADC signal remains at a logic high level, the magnetic resonance detection signals received during the first time period are collected by the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system (e.g., collected by the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100 and further collected by the ADC device 128 of the signal processing unit 102 of the magnetic resonance system 100), and are used for digitizing and correcting pulse transients.

[0077] In some examples, the resonator device 404 may be fabricated on the surface of a resonator chip. The resonator device 404 may include one or more planar microstrip resonators or one or more coplanar waveguide resonators, which are made of materials that are superconducting when operating in a cryogenic environment. In some instances, one or more planar microstrip resonators or one or more coplanar waveguide resonators of the resonator device 404 may include tunable gaps, capacitively coupled microstrip / coplanar waveguide feeders, which may be made of superconducting materials, normal conducting materials, or superconducting materials plated with normal conducting materials. In some implementations, the resonator device 404 is compatible with standard hardware for converting coaxial mode transmission lines in a detector to microstrip transmission lines or coplanar waveguide transmission lines on the surface of the resonator chip.

[0078] For example, the resonator device 404 may include a planar single microstrip niobium (Nb) resonator having a maximum quality factor greater than 10,000 (e.g., Q > 10,000) and a modal volume less than 0.001 cubic millimeters (<0.001 mm 3 ), which results in an absolute spin number sensitivity of the sample size less than 100 nanoliters (nL) (<100 nL) or other ranges. For example, the resonator device 404 may include a planar single microstrip Nb resonator having a maximum quality factor greater than 1000 and less than 10,000 (e.g., 10,000 > Q > 1000) and a modal volume greater than 0.001 cubic millimeters (>0.001 mm 3 ), which results in an absolute spin number sensitivity of the sample size in the range of 100 nL to 1 microliter (μL) (e.g., 100 nL~100 μL). Again, for example, the planar single microstrip resonator may be made of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) or other high temperature superconducting materials (e.g., 4K - 80K). In this case, the resonator device 404 is configured to handle higher power (e.g., >1W or other ranges), resulting in a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) provided by faster signal averaging (shorter T1) and a larger Rabi field (e.g., >100 MHz or other ranges).

[0079] The example limiter device 410 is configured to protect the LNA device 412. For example, the limiter device 410 can be configured to allow signals below a specified power level to pass through, while attenuating or blocking signals above the specified power level. In some examples, the threshold for the specified power level is selected based on the specifications of the LNA device 412 to prevent damage to the LNA device 412. In some examples, the limiter device 410 can be coupled to the remaining components of the resonator circuit 400 in different ways. For example, the input port of the limiter device 410 can be coupled to the output port of the resonator device 404, and the output port of the limiter device 410 can be coupled to the input port of the second switching device 406. In this case, the first output port of the second switching device 406 can be directly coupled to the LNA input port of the LNA device 412.

[0080] In some implementations, LNA device 412 is a cryogenic LNA device that operates in a cryogenic environment. In some examples, LNA device 412 can operate in other environments, such as elevated temperatures or room temperature. LNA device 412 can receive and amplify the magnetic resonance detection signal from the first output port of second switching device 406.

[0081] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit 430 for a magnetic resonance system. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 430 is deployed as part of a magnetic resonance system, for example, in Figure 1 In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 430 provides integration of a cryogenic low noise amplifier device with a resonator device and is configured for nanoscale switching between a normal operating mode (e.g., pulsed / continuous wave mode) and a pulse transient digitization / correction mode in magnetic resonance measurements. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 430 allows sequential acquisition of pulse transient fields and spin signals in the same experiment.

[0082] like Figure 4B As shown, the example resonator circuit 430 includes a first switch device (SW3) 432, a circulator device 433, a resonator device (RES) 434, and a second switch device (SW4) 436. The resonator device 434 is a single-port resonator device including an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflective mode, e.g., receiving an input signal at the input / output port and providing an output signal via the same input / output port.

[0083] like Figure 4BAs shown, the example resonator circuit 430 also includes a bandpass filter device (BPF) 438, a limiter device (LIM) 440, and an LNA device 442. The bandpass filter device 438, the limiter device 440, and the LNA device 442 each include an input port and an output port. The first switch device 432 includes an input port, an output port, and a first control port. The circulator device 433 includes an input port, an input / output port, and an output port. In some examples, the circulator device 433 can be implemented as a single electrically controlled circulator device, a series of circulator devices connected to each other with at least one circulator device that can be digitally controlled, a digitally controlled directional coupler device, or other type of device. The input port of the first switch device 432 is connected to the amplifier circuit (e.g., via the first port 452A). Figure 2 The example amplifier circuit 200 (or otherwise) receives a magnetic resonance control signal. The output port of the first switching device 432 is coupled to the input port of the circulator device 433. The input / output port of the resonator device 434 is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device. The second switching device 436 includes an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a second control port. The input port of the second switching device 436 is coupled to the output port of the circulator device 433. The input port of the bandpass filter device 438 is coupled to the first output port of the second switching device 436. The input port of the limiter device 440 is coupled to the output port of the bandpass filter device 438. The LNA device 442 includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to the output port of the limiter device 440. The LNA output port is further coupled to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system at a second port 452B. The second output port of the second switching device 436 is coupled to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system at a third port 452C. The resonator circuit 430 includes a first control port 454A coupled to the control port of the first switching device 432 and a second control port 454B coupled to the control port of the second switching device 436 .

[0084] In some instances, the bandpass filter device 438 is omitted from the resonator circuit 430. In some other instances, the bandpass filter device 438 can be coupled to other components of the resonator circuit 430 in a different manner. For example, the input port of the bandpass filter device 438 can be coupled to the output port of the first switching device 432, and the output port of the bandpass filter device 438 can be coupled to the input port of the second switching device 436. In this case, the first output port of the second switching device 436 can be directly coupled to the input port of the limiter device 440. In some implementations, the bandpass filter device 438 can be implemented as Figure 2 The bandpass filter device 208 in the embodiment may be implemented in other ways.

[0085] In some implementations, the first switch device 432, the second switch device 436, the bandpass filter device 438, the limiter device 440, and the LNA device 442 may be implemented as Figure 4A 434, or in other ways. In some implementations, the input ports, output ports, and input / output ports of the circuit components of the example resonator circuit 430 are coupled to each other via waveguides, coaxial cables, metal wires or feed lines, or other types of signal lines. In some instances, the first switching device 432 and the second switching device 436, the bandpass filter device 438, the limiter device 440, and the LNA device 442 of the example resonator circuit 430 can reside within the cryogenic environment where the resonator device 434 resides, or reside at an elevated cryogenic temperature or room temperature. In some examples, the example resonator circuit 430 can include additional or different components, and these components can be arranged as shown or in other ways.

[0086] In some implementations, the state of the first digital control signal at the first control port 454A determines the state of the first switching device 432. For example, when the first digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the first switching device 432 is in the first state. When the first switching device 432 is in the first state, the input port of the first switching device 432 is coupled to the output port of the first switching device 432, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port 452A to the output port of the first switching device 432.

[0087] When the first digital control signal at the first control port 454A is in the second state (e.g., at a logic low level), the first switching device 432 is in the second state. When the first switching device 432 is in the second state, the output port of the first switching device 432 is decoupled from the input port of the first switching device 432, thereby preventing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the resonator device 434 from being delivered to the input port of the first switching device 432; and preventing the magnetic resonance control signal or other noise signals from being delivered to the resonator device 434.

[0088] In some implementations, the switching time of the first switching device 432 is equal to or less than 20 ns, equal to or less than 30 ns, or within other ranges. In some instances, signal noise from the amplifier circuit 200 residing at room temperature can be received at the first port 452A of the resonator circuit 430. The first switching device 432 is configured to isolate and block the signal noise from reaching the resonator device 434 and the rest of the magnetic resonance system during signal acquisition.

[0089] In some implementations, the input port of the circulator device 433 is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 433 and remains decoupled or isolated from the output port of the circulator device 433; and the output port of the circulator device 433 is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 433 and remains decoupled or isolated from the input port of the circulator device 433. In some implementations, the circulator device 433 allows magnetic resonance control signals to pass from the first switching device 432 to the resonator device 434; and allows magnetic resonance detection signals to pass from the resonator device 434 to the second switching device 436.

[0090] In some implementations, the state of the second digital control signal at the second control port 454B determines the state of the second switching device 436. For example, when the second digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the second switching device 436 is in a first state. When the second switching device 436 is in the first state, the input port of the second switching device 436 is coupled to the first output port of the second switching device 436, thereby allowing a signal received from the output port of the circulator device 433 to be delivered to the LNA device 442 via the first output port of the second switching device 436; and the input port of the second switching device 436 is decoupled from the second output port of the second switching device 436. In the first state of the second switching device 436, the signal is used for continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurement.

[0091] When the second digital control signal is in a second state (e.g., at a logic low level), the second switching device 436 is in a second state. When the second switching device 436 is in the second state, the input port of the second switching device 436 is coupled to the second output port of the second switching device 436, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance detection signal received from the output port of the circulator device 433 to be delivered to the second output port of the second switching device 436. The input port of the second switching device 436 is decoupled from the first output port of the second switching device 436. In the second state of the second switching device 436, the magnetic resonance detection signal received from the output port of the first switching device 432 is passed through the second output port of the second switching device 436 to a path that bypasses the bandpass filter device 438, the limiter device 440, and the LNA device 442. The magnetic resonance detection signal is collected by the receiver unit 110 and further collected by the ADC device 128 of the signal processing unit 102 of the magnetic resonance system 100. In some implementations, the magnetic resonance detection signal is used to digitize pulse transients. The digitized pulse transients may be analyzed by a computer system and further used to correct the magnetic resonance control signals generated by the signal processing unit 102 .

[0092] In some implementations, when performing continuous wave magnetic resonance measurements, the first switching device 432 and the second switching device 436 are switched by Figure 8A in the same time period (t1 - t0) defined by the control sequence shown; and when performing pulsed magnetic resonance measurements, the first switching device 402 is in the first state during the first time period (t1 - t0) and in the second state during the second time period (t4 - t1); and the second switching device 406 is in the first state during the third time period (t acq = t3 - t2) and in the second state during the fourth time period (t1 - t0 and t4 - t3). In some implementations, as Figure 8B defined by the control sequence shown, the third time period t acq is separated from the first time period by a dead time (t dead = t2 - t1) and t3 < t4. During the first time period (t1 - t0), the magnetic resonance measurement is in the digitization / calibration mode.

[0093] In some implementations, the second switching device 436 is a single - pole double - throw (SPDT) switch. In some instances, the signal output at the third port 452C of the resonator circuit 430 can be attenuated before being further processed by the receiving circuit of the magnetic resonance system. In some instances, the first state and the second state of the second switching device 436 can be switched an arbitrary number of times in a controlled manner during a single experiment. In some implementations, the second switching device 436 is configured to protect the LNA device 442 from high - power pulses (receiver blanking), and provide a bypass for the LNA device 442 for pulsed transient digitization, where the signal may potentially damage the LNA device 442. In some implementations, the second switching device 436 can be implemented as Figure 4A the switching device 406 of the resonator circuit 400 in

[0094] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing aspects of an example process 500. In some cases, Figure 5 the operations in the example process 500 shown are used to switch between a normal operation mode (e.g., continuous - wave or pulsed mode) and a digitization / calibration mode in magnetic resonance measurements with a nanosecond switching time.

[0095] The example process 500 can be performed, for example, by the operation of the resonator circuit. For example, the operations in the example process 500 can be performed by Figure 4A-4BThe example process 500 may be performed with the example resonator circuits 400, 430 shown, or other types of circuits. The example process 500 may include additional or different operations (including operations performed by additional or different components), and these operations may be performed in the order shown or in other orders. In some cases, the operations in the example process 500 may be combined, iterated, or otherwise repeated or performed in other ways during a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0096] At 502, a signal is received. Figure 5 As shown, operation 502 includes two sub-operations 502A and 502B. During sub-operation 502A, a current is generated at the input ports 422A and 452A of the resonator circuits 400 and 430, for example, from Figure 1 During sub-operation 502B, the bypass unit 106 of the magnetic resonance system 100 receives the magnetic resonance control signal at the control ports 424A, 424B, 454A, 454B of the resonator circuits 400, 430, for example, from Figure 1 The signal processing unit 102 of the magnetic resonance system 100 receives the digital control signal. In some implementations, the magnetic resonance control signal can be generated by Figure 1 The signal processing unit 102 and the spectrometer unit 104 of the magnetic resonance system 100 are generated or generated in other ways.

[0097] At 504, the state of the circuit components is controlled based on the digital control signal. In some implementations, the state of the first switching device 402 and the second switching device 406 in the resonator circuit 400 or the state of the first switching device 432 and the second switching device 436 in the resonator circuit 430 is controlled based on the state of the received digital control signal. For example, when the digital control signal received by the first switching device 402, 432 at the control port 424A, 454A is in a first state (e.g., a logic high level), the first switching device 402, 432 is in a first state. When the first switching device 402 is in the first state, the first port 422A is coupled to the output port of the first switching device 402, which allows the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the first port 422A to the output port of the first switching device 402 with no or negligible attenuation. When the digital control signal received by the first switching device 402 at the control port 424A is in a second state (e.g., a logic low level), the first switching device 402 is in a second state in which the input port is decoupled from the output port of the first switching device 402. When the digital control signal received by the first switching device 432 at the control port 454A is in a first state (e.g., a logic high level), the first switching device 432 is in the first state, and the input port 452A is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 433, which allows the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port 452A to the input / output port of the circulator device 433 with no or negligible attenuation. In some implementations, the digital control signal applied to the first switching devices 402, 432 is a single-bit digital control signal or other type of digital control signal.

[0098] In some implementations, when the digital control signal received by the second switch device 406, 436 at the control port 424B, 454B is in a first state (eg, a logic high level), Figure 4A 、 Figure 4BThe second switching device 406, 436 of the example resonator circuit 400, 430 in FIG. 4 is in a first state. When the second switching device 406, 436 is in the first state, the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 is coupled to the first output port of the second switching device 406, 436, which allows the magnetic resonance detection signal to be delivered from the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 to the first output port of the second switching device 406, 436 with no or negligible attenuation. In the first state of the second switching device 406, 436, the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 is also decoupled from the second output port of the second switching device 406, 436. In some implementations, the second switching device 406, 436 is in the second state when the digital control signal received by the second switching device 406, 436 at the control port 424B, 454B is in the second state (e.g., a logic low level). When the second switching device 406, 436 is in the second state, the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 is coupled to the second output port of the second switching device 406, 436, which allows the magnetic resonance detection signal to be delivered from the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 to the second output port of the second switching device 406, 436 with no or negligible attenuation. In the second state of the second switching device 406, 436, the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 is decoupled from the first output port of the second switching device 406, 436.

[0099] At 506, the magnetic resonance control signal is processed based on the states of the circuit components of the resonator circuits 400, 430. The magnetic resonance control signal may be processed in, for example, two subroutines: a first subroutine 510 including operations 520, 522, 524, 526, 528 for performing magnetic resonance measurements, and a second subroutine 512 including operations 530, 532 for digitizing the pulse transient and further for correcting or tuning the magnetic resonance control signal.

[0100] At 520 of the first subroutine 510, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the resonator device 404, 434. In some examples, when the first switching device 402, 432 is in the first state, a magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 404, 434 through the first switching device 402, 432 from the first port 422A, 452A of the resonator circuit 400, 430. In some examples, when the magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 404, 434, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system based on the magnetic resonance control signal and the configuration / characteristics of the resonator device 404, 434.

[0101] At 522 of the first subroutine 510, a magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained. When the resonator device is a two-port resonator device configured to operate in a transmission mode (eg, Figure 4A ), and during the period when the first switching device 402 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance control signal is transmitted to the input port of the resonator device 404; and the magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained at the output port of the resonator device 404 and further transmitted to the input port of the second switching device 406.

[0102] When the resonator device is a single-port resonator device having an input / output port and configured to operate in a reflection mode (e.g., Figure 4B 434 in the resonator device 434), and during the period when the first switching device 432 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance control signal is transmitted to the input / output port of the circulator device 433; and the magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained from the output port of the circulator device 433 and further transmitted to the input port of the second switching device 436.

[0103] At 524 of the first subroutine 510, when the second switching device 406, 436 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance detection signal received at the input port of the second switching device 406, 436 is passed to the first output port of the second switching device 406, 436, and further passed to the LNA device 412, 442 of the resonator circuit 400, 430. In some examples, passing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the second switching device 406, 436 to the LNA device 412, 442 may include additional operations, such as passing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the second switching device 406, 436 to the LNA device 412, 442 through the bandpass filter device 408, 438 and / or the limiter device 410, 440.

[0104] The first subroutine 510 continues with operation 526, during which the magnetic resonance detection signal is amplified by the LNA device 412, 442; and operation 528, during which the amplified magnetic resonance detection signal is transmitted to the receiver unit 110b of the magnetic resonance system 100 for use in continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurements. In some examples, the first subroutine 510 may include other operations, and the operations of the first subroutine 510 may be reordered depending on the position of the bandpass filter device and the limiter device in the resonator circuit relative to other circuit components of the resonator circuit.

[0105] At 530 of the second subroutine 512, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the resonator device 404, 434. In some examples, when the first switching device 402, 432 is in the first state, a magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 404, 434 via the first switching device 402, 432 from the first port 422A, 452A of the resonator circuit 400, 430. In some examples, when the magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 404, 434, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system based on the magnetic resonance control signal and the configuration / characteristics of the resonator device 404, 434.

[0106] At 532 of the second subroutine 512, a magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained. When the resonator device is a two-port resonator device configured to operate in a transmission mode (eg, Figure 4A ), and during the period when the first switching device 402 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance control signal is transmitted to the input port of the resonator device 404; and the magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained at the output port of the resonator device 404, and further transmitted to the input port of the second switching device 406.

[0107] When the resonator device is a single-port resonator device having an input / output port and configured to operate in a reflection mode (e.g., Figure 4B 434 in the resonator device 434), and during the period when the first switching device 432 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance control signal is transmitted to the input / output port of the circulator device 433; and the magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained from the output port of the circulator device 433 and further transmitted to the input port of the second switching device 436.

[0108] At 534 of the second subroutine 512, while the second switching device 406, 436 is in the second state, the magnetic resonance detection signal is transmitted from the second switching device 406, 436 to the receiver unit of the magnetic resonance system (e.g., Figure 1 The magnetic resonance detection signal is used to digitize the pulse transient. The result of the digitization process can be used to correct the magnetic resonance control signal for subsequent magnetic resonance measurements.

[0109] In some cases, operations 502, 504, 506 (and possibly other operations) are performed as an iterative process, where each iteration includes: receiving a magnetic resonance control signal and a digital control signal; switching the state of the first switching device 402, 432 and the second switching device 406, 436 in the resonator circuit 400, 430 between a first state and a second state according to the digital control signal; generating a magnetic resonance detection signal according to the magnetic resonance control signal; and delivering the magnetic resonance detection signal to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system. Each iteration of the iterative process may include additional operations. During each iteration, a different subroutine 510, 512 may be selected based on the state of the circuit components and used to perform pulse / transient digitization or spin signal acquisition during a continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurement. Operations 502, 504, 506 may be repeated arbitrarily and in any order during the same magnetic resonance measurement.

[0110] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit 600 for a magnetic resonance system. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 600 is deployed as part of a magnetic resonance system, for example, in Figure 1 In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 600 provides integration of a cryogenic low noise amplifier device with a resonator device and is configured to switch between a normal operating mode (e.g., pulsed / continuous wave mode) and a pulse transient digitization mode in magnetic resonance measurements on a nanosecond timescale. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 600 allows sequential acquisition of pulse transient fields and spin signals in the same experiment.

[0111] like Figure 6A As shown, the example resonator circuit 600 includes a first switch device (SW3) 602, a resonator device (RES) 604, and a second switch device (SW4) 606. The first switch device 602 includes an input port, an output port, and a control port. The second switch device 606 includes a first input port, a second input port, an output port, and a control port. The resonator circuit 600 includes a first control port 624A coupled to the control port of the first switch device 602 and a second control port 624B coupled to the control port of the second switch device 606. The input port of the first switch device 602 is connected to an amplifier circuit (e.g., a first port 622A) at which the first switch device 602 receives a signal from the amplifier circuit (e.g., a second port 622B). Figure 2The example amplifier circuit 200 in FIG. 1 or otherwise) receives the magnetic resonance control signal. The resonator device 604 has an input port and an output port; and is configured to operate in a transmit mode. The input port of the resonator device 604 is coupled to the output port of the first switching device 602. The first input port of the second switching device 606 is coupled to the output port of the resonator device 604 for receiving the magnetic resonance detection signal. The first switching device 602, the resonator device 604, and the second switching device 606 are implemented as Figure 4A 4. The corresponding circuit components of the resonator circuit 400 in FIG.

[0112] like Figure 6A As shown, the resonator device 604 includes an electromagnetic field sensor device 614. The second input port of the second switch device 606 is coupled to the electromagnetic field sensor device 614 for receiving the sensor output signal. In some examples, the electromagnetic field sensor device 614 is weakly coupled to the resonator device 604 and is used to monitor the transient electromagnetic field applied to the spins in the sample region. In some implementations, the electromagnetic field sensor device 614 includes a coil device for detecting a magnetic field, a resistor device for detecting an electric field, or other types of electromagnetic field sensor devices.

[0113] exist Figure 6A In the example shown, the resonator circuit 600 further includes a bandpass filter device 608, a limiter device 610, and an LNA device 612. The bandpass filter device 608, the limiter device 610, and the LNA device 612 each include a Figure 6A The signal connections between the circuit components are shown as arrows indicating input and output ports. The input port of the bandpass filter device 608 is coupled to the output port of the second switch device 606. The input port of the limiter device 610 is coupled to the output port of the bandpass filter device 608. The LNA device 612 includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to the output port of the limiter device 610. The LNA output port is also coupled to the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100 at the second port 622B of the resonator circuit 600.

[0114] In some examples, the output port of the second switching device 606 can be coupled directly to the input port of the limiter device 610 without passing through the bandpass filter device 608 (e.g., the bandpass filter device 608 can be omitted). In some examples, the bandpass filter device 608 can be coupled to other circuit components of the resonator circuit 600 in a different manner. For example, the input port of the bandpass filter device 608 can be coupled to the output port of the resonator device 604, and the output port of the bandpass filter device 608 can be coupled to the first input port of the second switching device 606. In this case, the output port of the second switching device 606 can be directly coupled to the input port of the limiter device 610.

[0115] In some implementations, the input and output ports of the components of the example resonator circuit 600 can be connected to each other via waveguides, coaxial cables, metal wires or feed lines, or other types of signal lines. In some instances, the first and second switch devices 602, 606, bandpass filter device 608, limiter device 610, and LNA device 612 of the example resonator circuit 600 reside at a cryogenic temperature along with the resonator device 604. In some instances, at least a portion of the resonator circuit 600 resides in an environment different from the resonator device 604. For example, the first and second switch devices 602, 606, and LNA device 612 can reside outside of the cryostat in which the resonator device 604 resides, such as at room temperature, or they can reside at an elevated cryogenic temperature. In some examples, the example resonator circuit 600 can include additional or different components, and these components can be arranged as shown or in other ways.

[0116] In some implementations, the first switch device 602, the resonator device 604, the second switch device 606, the bandpass filter device 608, the limiter device 610, and the LNA device 612 may be implemented as Figure 4A The example resonator circuit 400 may be implemented as a corresponding device in FIG. 4 , or in other ways.

[0117] In some implementations, the state of the second digital control signal at the second control port 624B determines the state of the second switching device 606. For example, when the second digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the second switching device 606 is in a first state. When the second switching device 606 is in the first state, the first input port of the second switching device 606 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 606, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance detection signal received from the output port of the resonator device 604 to be delivered to the output port of the second switching device 606; and the second input port of the second switching device 606 is decoupled from the output port of the second switching device 606. In the first state of the second switching device 606, the magnetic resonance detection signal is passed to the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100 and used for continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurement.

[0118] When the second digital control signal is in a second state (e.g., a logic low level), the second switching device 606 is in a second state. When the second switching device 606 is in the second state, the second input port of the second switching device 606 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 606, thereby allowing the sensor output signal received from the magnetic field sensor device 614 of the resonator device 604 to be delivered from the second input port of the second switching device 606 to the output port of the second switching device 606; and the first input port of the second switching device 606 is decoupled from the output port of the second switching device 606. In the second state of the second switching device 606, the sensor output signal is passed to the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100 and used to digitize pulse transients and correct the magnetic resonance control signal.

[0119] In some examples, the signal output at the second port 622B of the resonator circuit 600 can be attenuated before being further processed by the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system. In some examples, the first state and the second state of the second switching device 606 can be switched any number of times in a controlled manner during a single experiment to switch between the normal operating mode and the digitization / correction mode.

[0120] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an example resonator circuit 630 for a magnetic resonance system. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 630 is deployed as part of a magnetic resonance system, for example, in Figure 1In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 630 provides integration of a cryogenic low noise amplifier device with a resonator device and is configured to switch between a normal operating mode (e.g., pulsed / continuous wave mode) and a pulse transient digitization mode in magnetic resonance measurements on a nanosecond timescale. In some implementations, the example resonator circuit 630 allows sequential acquisition of pulse transient fields and spin signals in the same experiment.

[0121] like Figure 6B As shown, the example resonator circuit 630 includes a first switching device ( SW3 ) 632 , a circulator device 633 , a resonator device (RES) 634 , and a second switching device ( SW4 ) 636 . Figure 6B The example resonator device 634 in FIG. 6 is a single-port resonator device. The resonator device 634 includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode. Figure 6B The example resonator circuit 630 shown also includes a bandpass filter device (BPF) 638, a limiter device (LIM) 640, and an LNA device 642. The bandpass filter device 638, the limiter device 640, and the LNA device 642 each include Figure 6B The signal connections between the circuit components of the resonator circuit 630 are indicated by the arrows on the corresponding input ports and output ports. The first switching device 632 includes an input port, an output port, and a control port. The second switching device 636 includes a first input port, a second input port, an output port, and a control port.

[0122] The input port of the first switching device 632 is connected to the amplifier circuit (eg, Figure 2 The example amplifier circuit 200 in the magnetic resonance system or otherwise) receives the magnetic resonance control signal. The input port of the circulator device 633 is coupled to the output port of the first switching device 632. The input / output port of the resonator device 634 is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 633. The first input port of the second switching device 636 is coupled to the output port of the circulator device 633. The resonator device 634 includes an electromagnetic field sensor device 644. In some instances, the electromagnetic field sensor device 644 is weakly coupled to the resonator device 634 and is used to monitor the transient magnetic field of the spin of the sample in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system. In some implementations, the electromagnetic field sensor device 644 includes a coil device for sensing a magnetic field, a resistor device for sensing an electric field, or other type of electromagnetic field sensor device. In some instances, the electromagnetic field sensor device 644 can be implemented as Figure 6A The second input port of the second switch device 636 is coupled to the electromagnetic field sensor device 644 .

[0123] like Figure 6B As shown, the input port of the bandpass filter device 638 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 636. The input port of the limiter device 640 is coupled to the output port of the bandpass filter device 638. The LNA device 642 includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to the output port of the limiter device 640. The LNA output port is also coupled to the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100 at a second port 652B of the resonator circuit 630. The resonator circuit 630 also includes a first control port 654A coupled to the control port of the first switching device 632 and a second control port 654B coupled to the control port of the second switching device 636.

[0124] In some instances, the bandpass filter device 638 can be omitted. For example, the output port of the second switching device 636 can be coupled directly to the input port of the limiter device 640 without passing through the bandpass filter device 638. In some instances, the bandpass filter device 638 can be coupled to other circuit components of the resonator circuit 630 in a different manner. For example, the input port of the bandpass filter device 638 can be coupled to the output port of the first switching device 632, and the output port of the bandpass filter device 638 can be coupled to the first input port of the second switching device 636. In this case, the output port of the second switching device 636 can be directly coupled to the input port of the limiter device 640.

[0125] In some implementations, the input ports, input / output ports, and output ports of the components of the example resonator circuit 630 are connected to each other through waveguides, coaxial cables, metal wires or feed lines, or other types of signal lines. In some instances, the first switching device 632 and the second switching device 636, the bandpass filter device 638, the limiter device 640, and the LNA device 642 of the example resonator circuit 630 reside in a low-temperature environment or at room temperature. In some implementations, the first switching device 632, the resonator device 634, the second switching device 636, the bandpass filter device 638, the limiter device 640, and the LNA device 642 can be implemented as Figure 4B In some examples, the example resonator circuit 630 may include additional or different components, and these components may be arranged as shown or in other ways.

[0126] In some implementations, the state of the first digital control signal at the first control port 654A determines the state of the first switching device 632. For example, when the first digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the first switching device 632 is in the first state. When the first switching device 632 is in the first state, the input port of the first switching device 632 is coupled to the output port of the first switching device 632, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port 652A to the output port of the first switching device 632. When the first digital control signal at the first control port 654A is in a second state (e.g., at a logic low level), the first switching device 632 is in a second state. When the first switching device 632 is in the second state, the input port of the first switching device 632 is decoupled from the input / output port of the first switching device 632, thereby preventing the magnetic resonance control signal from being delivered from the input port 652A to the output port of the first switching device 632.

[0127] In some implementations, the switching time of the first switching device 632 is equal to or less than 20 ns, equal to or less than 30 ns, or within other ranges. In some instances, signal noise from the amplifier circuit 200 residing at room temperature can be received at the first port 652A of the resonator circuit 630. The first switching device 632 is configured to isolate and block the signal noise from reaching the resonator device 634 and other components of the magnetic resonance system during signal acquisition.

[0128] In some implementations, the input port of the circulator device 633 is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 633 and remains decoupled or isolated from the output port of the circulator device 633; ​​and the output port of the circulator device 633 is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 633 and remains decoupled or isolated from the input port of the circulator device 633. In some implementations, the circulator device 633 allows magnetic resonance control signals to pass from the first switching device 632 to the resonator device 634; and allows magnetic resonance detection signals to pass from the resonator device 634 to the second switching device 636.

[0129] In some implementations, the state of the second digital control signal at the second control port 654B determines the state of the second switching device 636. For example, when the second digital control signal is in a first state (e.g., at a logic high level), the second switching device 636 is in a first state. When the second switching device 636 is in the first state, the first input port of the second switching device 636 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 636, thereby allowing the magnetic resonance detection signal received from the output port of the first switching device 632 to be delivered to the LNA device 642 via the output port of the second switching device 636; and the second input port of the second switching device 636 is decoupled from the output port of the second switching device 636. In the first state of the second switching device 636, the magnetic resonance detection signal is used for continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurement.

[0130] When the second digital control signal is in a second state (e.g., at a logic low level), the second switching device 636 is in a second state. When the second switching device 636 is in the second state, the second input port of the second switching device 636 is coupled to the output port of the second switching device 636, thereby allowing the sensor output signal received from the electromagnetic field sensor device 644 of the resonator device 634 to be delivered from the second input port of the second switching device 636 to the LNA device 642 via the output port of the second switching device 636; and the first input port of the second switching device 636 is decoupled from the output port of the second switching device 636.

[0131] In some implementations, the second switching device 636 is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switching device having two positions for delivering signals from different input ports of the second switching device 636 to the same output port. In some examples, the first switching device 632 and the second switching device 636 can be other types of switching devices that can be controlled by other types of digital control signals. In some examples, the signal output at the second port 652B of the resonator circuit 630 can be attenuated before being further processed by the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100. In some examples, the first state and the second state of the second switching device 636 can be switched any number of times in a controlled manner during a single experiment.

[0132] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating aspects of an example process 700. In some cases, Figure 7 The operations in the illustrated example process 700 are implemented as a process for switching between a normal operating mode (e.g., continuous wave or pulse mode) and a digitization / correction mode in magnetic resonance measurements with a nanosecond switching time. The example process 700 can be performed, for example, by operation of a resonator circuit. For example, the operations in the example process 700 can be performed by Figure 6A-Figure 6BThe example process 700 may be performed using any of the example resonator circuits 600, 630 shown, or other types of circuits. The example process 700 may include additional or different operations (including operations performed by additional or different components), and these operations may be performed in the order shown or in other orders. In some cases, the operations in the example process 700 may be combined, iterated, or otherwise repeated or performed in other ways during a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0133] At 702, a signal is received. Figure 7 As shown, operation 702 includes two sub-operations 702A and 702B. During sub-operation 702A, for example, Figure 1 The magnetic resonance control signal is received at the first port 622A, 652A of the resonator circuit 600, 630 of the resonator unit 108 of the magnetic resonance system 100 in the magnetic resonance system 100. In some implementations, the magnetic resonance control signal can be generated by Figure 1 During sub-operation 702B, at the control ports 624A, 624B, 654A, 654B of the resonator circuits 600, 630, for example, from Figure 1 The signal processing unit 102 of the magnetic resonance system 100 receives the digital control signal.

[0134] At 704, the states of the circuit components are controlled based on the digital control signals. In some implementations, the states of the first and second switching devices 602, 606 in the resonator circuit 600 and the states of the first and second switching devices 632, 636 in the resonator circuit 630 are controlled based on the states of the digital control signals received at the control ports 624A, 624B, 654A, 654B. Specifically, when the digital control signal received by the first switching device 602 at the control port 624A is in a first state (e.g., a logic high level), Figure 6AIn the example resonator circuit 600 of FIG. 1 , the first switching device 602 is in a first state; and the first port 622A is coupled to the output port of the first switching device 602, which allows the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the first port 622A to the output port of the first switching device 602 with no or negligible attenuation. When the digital control signal received by the first switching device 602 at the control port 624A is in a second state (e.g., a logic low level), the first switching device 602 is in a second state in which the first port 622A is decoupled from the output port of the first switching device 602. When the digital control signal received by the first switching device 632 at the control port 654A is in a first state (e.g., a logic high level), the first switching device 632 is in a first state; and the first port 652A is coupled to the input / output port of the circulator device 633, which allows the magnetic resonance control signal to be delivered from the input port 652A to the input port of the circulator device 633 with no or negligible attenuation. In some examples, the digital control signal received by the first switching device 602 , 632 is a single-bit digital control signal or other type of digital control signal.

[0135] In some implementations, when the digital control signal received by the second switch device 606, 636 at the control port 624B, 654B is in a first state (eg, a logic high level), Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B The second switching device 606, 636 of the example resonator circuit 600, 630 in FIG. 1 is in a first state; and the input port of the second switching device 606, 636 is coupled to the first output port of the second switching device 606, 636, which allows the magnetic resonance detection signal to be delivered from the input port of the second switching device 606, 636 to the first output port of the second switching device 606, 636 with no attenuation or negligible attenuation. In the first state of the second switching device 606, 636, the input port of the second switching device 606, 636 is decoupled from the second output port of the second switching device 606, 636. In some implementations, when the digital control signal received by the second switching device 606, 636 at the control port 624B, 654B is in a second state (e.g., a logic low level), Figure 6A 、 Figure 6BThe second switching device 606, 636 of the example resonator circuit 600, 630 in FIG. 1 is in a second state. When the second switching device 606, 636 is in the second state, the input port of the second switching device 606, 636 is coupled to the second output port of the second switching device 606, 636, which allows the sensor output signal to be delivered from the input port of the second switching device 606, 636 to the second output port of the second switching device 606, 636 with no or negligible attenuation. In the second state of the second switching device 606, 636, the input port of the second switching device 606, 636 is decoupled from the first output port of the second switching device 606, 636.

[0136] At 706, the magnetic resonance control signal is processed based on the states of the circuit components of the resonator circuits 600, 630. The magnetic resonance control signal may be processed in, for example, two subroutines: a first subroutine 710 including operations 720, 722, 724, 726, 728 for performing a normal operating mode in a magnetic resonance measurement; and a second subroutine 712 including operations 730, 732, 734, 736, 738 for digitizing the pulse transient and further for correcting or tuning the magnetic resonance control signal.

[0137] At 720 of the first subroutine 710, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the resonator device 604, 634. In some examples, when the first switching device 602, 632 is in the first state, a magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 604, 634 through the first switching device 602, 632 from the first port 622A, 652A of the resonator circuit 600, 630. In some examples, when the magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 604, 634, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system based on the magnetic resonance control signal and the configuration / characteristics of the resonator device 604, 634.

[0138] At 722 of the first subroutine 710, a magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained. When the resonator device is a two-port resonator device configured to operate in a transmission mode (eg, Figure 6A When the resonator device 604 is in the first state, and the first switching device 602 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance control signal is transmitted to the input port of the resonator device 604; and the magnetic resonance detection signal is transmitted to the first input port of the second switching device 606 via the output port of the resonator device 604.

[0139] When the resonator device is a single-port resonator device having an input / output port and configured to operate in a reflection mode (e.g., Figure 6B) and during the period when the first switching device 632 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance control signal is transmitted to the input / output port of the resonator device 634 via the circulator device 633; ​​and the magnetic resonance detection signal is obtained from the output port of the circulator device 633 and further transmitted to the first input port of the second switching device 636.

[0140] At 724 of the first subroutine 710, when the second switching device 606, 636 is in the first state, the magnetic resonance detection signal received at the first input port of the second switching device 606, 636 is passed from the first input port of the second switching device 606, 636 to the output port of the second switching device 606, 636, and further passed to the LNA device 612, 642 of the resonator circuit 600, 630. In some examples, operation 724 may include additional sub-operations, such as passing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the second switching device 606, 636 to the LNA device 612, 642 through the bandpass filter device 608, 638 and / or the limiter device 610, 640.

[0141] The first subroutine 710 continues with operation 726, during which the magnetic resonance detection signal is amplified by the LNA device 612, 642; and operation 728, during which the amplified magnetic resonance detection signal is transmitted to the receiver unit 110 of the magnetic resonance system 100 for use in continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurements. In some examples, the first subroutine 710 may include other operations, and the operations of the first subroutine 710 may be reordered depending on the position of the bandpass filter device and the limiter device in the resonator circuit 600, 630 relative to other circuit components of the resonator circuit 600, 630.

[0142] At 730 of the second subroutine 712, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the resonator device 604, 634. In some examples, when the first switching device 602, 632 is in the first state, a magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 604, 634 through the first switching device 602, 632 from the first port 622A, 652A of the resonator circuit 600, 630. In some examples, when the magnetic resonance control signal is received at the resonator device 604, 634, an electromagnetic field is generated in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system based on the magnetic resonance control signal and the configuration / characteristics of the resonator device 604, 634.

[0143] At 732 of the second subroutine 712, a sensor output signal is obtained. The sensor output signal is obtained from the electromagnetic field sensor device 614, 644 and further transmitted to the second input port of the switch device 606, 636. The sensor output signal can be generated by a direct interaction between the electromagnetic field sensor device 614, 644 and the electromagnetic field generated by the resonator device at 730.

[0144] At 734 of the second subroutine 712, when the second switching device 606, 636 is in the second state, the sensor output signal received at the second input port of the second switching device 606, 636 is passed to the output port of the second switching device 606, 636 and further passed to the LNA device 612, 642 of the resonator circuit 600, 630. In some examples, operation 724 may include additional sub-operations, such as passing the sensor output signal from the second switching device 606, 636 to the LNA device 612, 642 through the bandpass filter device 608, 638 and / or the limiter device 610, 640.

[0145] The second subroutine 712 continues with operation 736, during which the sensor output signal is amplified by the LNA device 612, 642; and operation 738, during which the amplified sensor output signal is passed to the receiver unit of the magnetic resonance system for digitizing pulse transients. The results from the digitization process can be used to correct the magnetic resonance control signal for subsequent magnetic resonance measurements. In some examples, the second subroutine 712 can include other operations, and the operations of the second subroutine 712 can be reordered depending on the position of the bandpass filter device and the limiter device in the resonator circuit 600, 630 relative to other circuit components of the resonator circuit 600, 630.

[0146] In some cases, operations 702, 704, 706 (and possibly other operations) are performed as an iterative process, where each iteration includes: receiving a magnetic resonance control signal and a digital control signal; switching the state of the first switching device 602, 632 and the second switching device 606, 636 in the resonator circuit 600, 630 between a first state and a second state according to the digital control signal; generating a magnetic resonance detection signal and a sensor output signal according to the magnetic resonance control signal; and delivering the magnetic resonance detection signal and the sensor output signal to a receiver unit of the magnetic resonance system. Each iteration of the iterative process may include additional operations. During each iteration, a different subroutine 710, 712 may be selected based on the state of the circuit components and used for pulse / transient digitization or for spin signal acquisition during a continuous wave or pulsed magnetic resonance measurement. Operations 702, 704, 706 may be repeated arbitrarily and in any order during the same magnetic resonance measurement.

[0147] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B are timing diagrams 800, 820 illustrating aspects of an example control sequence. The control sequence indicates the timing diagrams 800, 820 of FIG. Figure 2 The amplifier circuit 200 shown and the Figure 4A-4B and Figure 6A-Figure 6B The states of example digital control signals received at respective control ports of the illustrated resonator circuits 400, 430, 600, 630. In some examples, a control sequence is applied during operation of the example processes 300, 500, 700 or in other processes. Figures 8A to 8B In, t p Indicates the length of a given pulse; t p +t s represents the length of a given pulse plus the switching time; t dead represents the spectrometer dead time; and t acq represents the acquisition time of the spin signal. In some implementations, Figure 8A The timing diagram 800 shown is configured to perform magnetic resonance measurements in continuous wave mode; and Figure 8B The timing diagram 820 shown is for performing magnetic resonance measurements in pulsed mode. In some examples, timing diagrams 800 and 820 can be selected and enhanced to form a pulse program, in which magnetic resonance measurements in different modes can be performed in a single experiment or across multiple experiments. In other words, control sequences can be executed sequentially or repeatedly according to the timing diagram in the pulse program, allowing for arbitrary switching and performing of magnetic resonance measurements in different modes.

[0148] Some of the subject matter and operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, or in computer software, firmware or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents) or in a combination of one or more of them. Some of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is, one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing device or for controlling the operation of a data processing device. A computer storage medium can be or can be included in a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. In addition, although a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. A computer storage medium can also be or can be included in one or more separate physical components or media.

[0149] Some of the operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0150] In general terms of the foregoing, a magnetic resonance system is operated.

[0151] In a first example, an amplifier circuit for a magnetic resonance system includes a first switching device, a high power amplifier (HPA) device, a second switching device, and a power combiner device. The first switching device includes an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a control port. The input port of the first switching device is configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal. The control port of the first switching device is configured to receive a first digital control signal. The first switching device is configured to selectively couple the input port of the first switching device to the first output port or the second output port of the first switching device based on a state of the first digital control signal. The HPA device includes an HPA input port and an HPA output port. The HPA input port is coupled to the first output port of the first switching device. The second switching device includes an input port, an output port, and a control port. The control port of the second switching device is configured to receive a second digital control signal. The second switching device is configured to selectively couple the input port of the second switching device to the output port of the second switching device based on a state of the second digital control signal. The power combiner device includes a first input port, a second input port, and an output port. The first input port of the power combiner device is coupled to the output port of the second switching device. The second input port of the power combiner device is coupled to the second output port of the first switching device along a path that bypasses the HPA device.The output port of the power combiner device is configured to be coupled to a resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0152] Implementations of the first example may include one or more of the following features. The amplifier circuit is configured to operate at room temperature; and the resonator circuit is configured to operate at cryogenic temperatures. The amplifier circuit is configured to operate at room temperature; and at least a portion of the resonator circuit is configured to operate at room temperature. The amplifier circuit includes a bandpass filter device coupled between an HPA output port and a first input port of a power combiner device. The first switching device is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of a first digital control signal. The first state includes the input port of the first switching device coupled to the first output port of the first switching device and decoupled from the second output port of the first switching device. The second state includes the input port of the first switching device coupled to the second output port of the first switching device and decoupled from the first output port of the first switching device. The switching time of the first switching device is equal to or less than 1 μs. The second switching device is configured to switch between the first state and the second state in response to a change in state of a second digital control signal. The first state includes the input port of the second switching device coupled to the output port of the second switching device. The second state includes the input port of the second switching device decoupled from the output port of the second switching device. The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 1 μs.

[0153] In a second example, an amplifier circuit in a magnetic resonance system includes a first switching device, a high power amplifier (HPA) device, a second switching device, and a power combiner device, and a method of operating the amplifier circuit includes: while the first switching device is in a first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal at the first switching device; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal from the first switching device to the HPA device; amplifying the first magnetic resonance control signal through operation of the HPA device; receiving the amplified magnetic resonance signal from the HPA device at the second switching device; passing the amplified magnetic resonance signal to the power combiner device through the second switching device; and providing a first output of the power combiner device to a resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system; switching the first switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received by the first switching device; and while the first switching device is in the second state: receiving a second magnetic resonance control signal at the first switching device; passing the second magnetic resonance control signal from the first switching device to the power combiner device, wherein passing the second magnetic resonance control signal from the first switching device to the power combiner device bypasses the HPA; and providing a second output of the power combiner device to the resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0154] Implementations of the second example may include one or more of the following features: the amplifier circuit operates at room temperature; the resonator circuit operates at cryogenic temperature; the amplifier circuit is configured to operate at room temperature; and at least a portion of the resonator circuit is configured to operate at room temperature. Passing the amplified magnetic resonance signal to the power combiner device via the second switching device includes passing the amplified magnetic resonance signal to the power combiner device via the bandpass filter device.

[0155] In a third example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system. The resonator circuit includes a resonator device and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) device. The resonator device includes an input port, an output port, and a resonator coupled between the input port and the output port. The input port of the resonator device is configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal. The resonator device is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the magnetic resonance control signal. The LNA device includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to the output port of the resonator device. The LNA output port is configured to couple to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0156] An implementation of the third example may include one or more of the following features. The amplifier circuit includes a switching device coupled between an output port of a resonator device and an LNA input port. The switching device includes an input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The resonator circuit includes a limiter device coupled between the first output port of the switching device and the LNA input port. The limiter device includes an input port and an output port. The resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter device coupled between the first output port of the switching device and the input port of the limiter device. The switching device includes a control port configured to receive a digital control signal. The switching device is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the digital control signal. The first state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the first output port of the switching device and decoupled from the second output port of the switching device. The second state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the second output port of the switching device and decoupled from the first output port of the switching device.

[0157] An implementation of the third example may include one or more of the following features. The amplifier circuit includes a switching device. The switching device includes an input port and an output port. The output port of the switching device is coupled to the input port of the resonator device, and the input port of the switching device is configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal. The switching device includes a control port configured to receive a digital control signal. The switching device is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the digital control signal. The first state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the output port of the switching device. The second state includes the input port of the switching device decoupled from the output port of the switching device. The switching time of the switching device is equal to or less than 30 ns.

[0158] In a fourth example, a resonator circuit in a magnetic resonance system includes a resonator device and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) device. The resonator device includes an input port, an output port, and a resonator coupled between the input port and the output port. A method of operating the resonator circuit includes: receiving a magnetic resonance control signal at the input port of the resonator device; generating an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the magnetic resonance control signal through operation of the resonator device; obtaining a magnetic resonance detection signal based on an interaction between the resonator device and a sample in the sample region through operation of the resonator device; providing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the output port of the resonator device to the LNA device; amplifying the magnetic resonance detection signal through operation of the LNA device; and providing the amplified magnetic resonance detection signal to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0159] An implementation of the fourth example may include one or more of the following features. A resonator circuit includes a switching device. A method includes: while the switching device is in a first state: receiving a magnetic resonance detection signal at the switching device from an output port of the resonator device; and passing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device to an LNA device. The method includes: before amplifying the magnetic resonance detection signal, passing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device to a limiter device coupled between the switching device and the LNA device. The method includes: switching the switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received by the switching device; and while the switching device is in the second state: receiving a magnetic resonance detection signal at the switching device from the output port of the resonator device; and passing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device along a path that bypasses the LNA device.

[0160] Implementations of the fourth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator circuit includes a switching device. The switching device has a switching time equal to or less than 30 ns. The method includes: receiving the magnetic resonance control signal at the switching device before the magnetic resonance control signal is received at the input port of the resonator device and while the switching device is in a first state; and transmitting the magnetic resonance control signal from the switching device to the input port of the resonator device.

[0161] In a fifth example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system. The resonator circuit includes a resonator device, a switching device, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) device. The resonator device includes a resonator configured to generate an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to a magnetic resonance control signal received by the resonator device. The switching device includes an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a control port. The input port of the switching device is coupled to the resonator device. The control port of the switching device is configured to receive a digital control signal. The switching device is configured to selectively couple the input port of the switching device to the first output port or the second output port of the switching device based on a state of the digital control signal. The second output port of the switching device is configured to couple to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system along a path that bypasses the low-noise amplifier (LNA) device. The LNA device includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to the first output port of the switching device. The LNA output port is configured to couple to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

[0162] Implementations of the fifth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator circuit includes a limiter device coupled between a first output port of the switching device and an LNA input port. The limiter device includes an input port and an output port. The resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter device coupled between the first output port of the switching device and the input port of the limiter device. The switching device is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of a digital control signal. The first state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the first output port of the switching device and decoupled from the second output port of the switching device. The second state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the second output port of the switching device and decoupled from the first output port of the switching device.

[0163] Implementations of the fifth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator device includes an input port and an output port. The resonator device is configured to operate in a transmit mode. The first input port of the switching device is coupled to the output port of the resonator device. The switching device is a first switching device. The resonator circuit includes a second switching device. The second switching device includes an input port and an output port. The output port of the second switching device is coupled to the input port of the resonator device, and the input port of the second switching device is configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal.

[0164] Implementations of the fifth example may include one or more of the following features. The digital control signal on the first switching device is a first digital control signal. The second switching device includes a control port configured to receive a second digital control signal and is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the second digital control signal. The first state includes the input port of the second switching device coupled to the output port of the second switching device. The second state includes the input port of the second switching device decoupled from the output port of the second switching device. The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 ns.

[0165] Implementations of the fifth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode. The input port of the switching device is coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device. The switching device is a first switching device. The resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device. The circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device, and an output port coupled to the first input port of the first switching device. The second switching device includes an input port configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal and an output port coupled to the input port of the circulator device.

[0166] In a sixth example, a resonator circuit in a magnetic resonance system includes a resonator device, a switch device, and a low noise amplifier (LNA) device. A method of operating a resonator circuit includes: while a switching device is in a first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator device, a first electromagnetic field in a sample region of a magnetic resonance system in response to the first magnetic resonance control signal; obtaining, by operation of the resonator device, a first magnetic resonance detection signal based on an interaction between the resonator device and a sample in the sample region; passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to an LNA device through the switching device; amplifying the magnetic resonance detection signal through operation of the LNA device; passing the amplified output to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system; switching the switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received at the switching device; and while the switching device is in the second state: receiving a second magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator device, a second electromagnetic field in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the second magnetic resonance control signal; obtaining, by operation of the resonator device, a second magnetic resonance detection signal based on the interaction between the resonator device and the sample; and passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal to the receiver circuit through the switching device along a path that bypasses the LNA device.

[0167] Implementations of the sixth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator circuit includes a limiter device. Passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device via the switch device includes: receiving the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device at the limiter device; and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the limiter device to the LNA device. The resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter device. Passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device via the switch device includes: receiving the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device at the bandpass filter device; and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the bandpass filter device to the limiter device.

[0168] An implementation of the sixth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator device includes an input port and an output port. The resonator device is configured to operate in a transmit mode. Passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device via the switch device includes passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the output port of the resonator device to the LNA device via the switch device. Passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal to the receiver circuit via the switch device along a path that bypasses the LNA device includes passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal from the output port of the resonator device to the receiver circuit along the path that bypasses the LNA device.

[0169] Implementations of the sixth example may include one or more of the following features. The switching device is a first switching device, and the resonator circuit includes a second switching device. The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 ns. The method includes: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal or a second magnetic resonance control signal at the second switching device; and transmitting the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the second switching device to an input port of the resonator device.

[0170] An implementation of the sixth example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode. Passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device via the switch device includes passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the resonator device to the LNA device via the switch device. Passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal to the receiver circuit via the switch device along a path that bypasses the LNA device includes passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the resonator device to the receiver circuit along a path that bypasses the LNA device. The switch device is a first switch device. The resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switch device. The circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port, and an output port. The second switch device includes an input port and an output port. The method includes: while the second switching device is in a first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal or a second magnetic resonance control signal at an input port of the second switching device; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the second switching device to the output port of the second switching device; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of a circulator device to the input / output port of a resonator device through the input / output port of the circulator device; receiving a first magnetic resonance detection signal or a second magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the resonator device at the input / output port of the circulator device; and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal or the second magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the circulator device to the first switching device through the output port of the circulator device.

[0171] In a seventh example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system. The resonator circuit includes a resonator device, an electromagnetic field sensor device, and a switching device. The resonator device includes a resonator configured to generate an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to a magnetic resonance control signal received by the resonator device. The electromagnetic field sensor device is configured to sense the electromagnetic field generated by the resonator device. The switching device includes a first input port, a second input port, an output port, and a control port. The first input port of the switching device is coupled to the resonator device. The second input port of the switching device is coupled to the electromagnetic field sensor device. The control port of the switching device is configured to receive a digital control signal. The output port of the switching device is configured to couple to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system. The switching device is configured to selectively couple the first input port or the second input port of the switching device to the output port of the switching device based on a state of the digital control signal.

[0172] Implementations of the seventh example may include one or more of the following features. The resonator circuit includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) device. The LNA device includes an LNA input port and an LNA output port. The LNA input port is coupled to an output port of a switching device, and the LNA output port is configured to be coupled to a receiver circuit. The resonator circuit includes a limiter device coupled between the output port of the switching device and the LNA input port. The limiter device includes an input port and an output port. The resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter device coupled between the output port of the switching device and the input port of the limiter device.

[0173] In a seventh example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system. A switching device is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of a digital control signal. The first state includes an output port of the switching device coupled to a first input port of the switching device and decoupled from a second input port of the switching device. The second state includes the output port of the switching device coupled to the second input port of the switching device and decoupled from the first input port of the switching device.

[0174] In a seventh example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system. The resonator device includes an input port and an output port and is configured to operate in a transmit mode. A first input port of a switching device is coupled to an output port of the resonator device. The switching device is a first switching device. The resonator circuit includes a second switching device. The second switching device includes an input port and an output port. The output port of the second switching device is coupled to the input port of the resonator device, and the input port of the second switching device is configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal.

[0175] In a seventh example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system. The digital control signal on the first switching device is a first digital control signal. The second switching device includes a control port configured to receive a second digital control signal and is configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the second digital control signal. The first state includes coupling the input port of the second switching device to the output port of the second switching device. The second state includes decoupling the input port of the second switching device from the output port of the second switching device. The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 ns.

[0176] In a seventh example, a resonator circuit is configured to operate in a low-temperature environment of a magnetic resonance system. The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode. A first input port of a switching device is coupled to an input / output port of the resonator device. The switching device is a first switching device. The resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device. The circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device, and an output port coupled to the first input port of the first switching device. The second switching device includes an input port configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal and an output port coupled to the input port of the circulator device. The electromagnetic field sensor device includes a coil device for sensing a magnetic field. The electromagnetic field sensor device includes a resistor device for sensing an electric field.

[0177] In an eighth example, a resonator circuit in a magnetic resonance system includes a resonator device, an electromagnetic field sensor, and a switching device. A method of operating the resonator circuit includes: while the switching device is in a first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating a first electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the first magnetic resonance control signal by operating the resonator device; obtaining a first magnetic resonance detection signal based on an interaction between the resonator device and a sample in the sample region by operating the resonator device; transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system through the switching device; switching the switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received at the switching device; and while the switching device is in the second state: receiving a second magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating a second electromagnetic field in the sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the second magnetic resonance control signal by operating the resonator device; generating a sensor output signal based on an interaction between the second electromagnetic field and the electromagnetic field sensor by operating the electromagnetic field sensor; and transmitting the sensor output signal to the receiver circuit through the switching device.

[0178] An implementation of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features: the resonator circuit includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) device. The method includes: passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device through the LNA device before passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the receiver circuit through the switch device; and passing the sensor output signal from the switch device through the LNA device before passing the sensor output signal to the receiver circuit through the switch device.

[0179] Implementations of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features: the resonator circuit includes a limiter device; transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device to the LNA device includes transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device to the LNA device through the limiter device; and transmitting the sensor output signal from the switch device to the LNA device includes transmitting the sensor output signal from the switch device to the LNA device through the limiter device.

[0180] Implementations of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features: the resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter device. The method includes: passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device through the bandpass filter device to the limiter device; and passing the sensor output signal from the switch device through the bandpass filter device to the limiter device.

[0181] Implementations of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features: The resonator device includes an input port and an output port and is configured to operate in a transmit mode. Transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system through the switching device includes transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the output port of the resonator device to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system through the switching device.

[0182] Implementations of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features. The switching device is a first switching device. The resonator circuit includes a second switching device. The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds. The method includes: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal or a second magnetic resonance control signal at the second switching device; and transmitting the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the second switching device to an input port of the resonator device.

[0183] Implementations of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features: The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode. Passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system through the switching device includes passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the resonator device to the receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system through the switching device.

[0184] An implementation of the eighth example may include one or more of the following features. The switching device is a first switching device. The resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device. The circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port, and an output port. The second switching device includes an input port and an output port. The method includes: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal or a second magnetic resonance control signal at the input port of the second switching device while the second switching device is in a first state; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the second switching device to the output port of the second switching device; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the circulator device through the input / output port of the circulator device to the input / output port of the resonator device; receiving a first magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the resonator device at the input / output port of the circulator device; and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the input / output port of the circulator device through the output port of the circulator device to the first switching device.

[0185] Although this specification contains many details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular examples. Certain features described in this specification or shown in the drawings in the context of separate implementations may also be combined. Conversely, various features described or shown in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0186] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a continuous order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, in order to achieve the desired results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above-described implementations should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0187] A number of examples have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An amplifier circuit for a magnetic resonance system, the amplifier circuit comprising: a first switching device comprising an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a control port, wherein the input port of the first switching device is configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal, the control port of the first switching device is configured to receive a first digital control signal, and the first switching device is configured to selectively couple the input port of the first switching device to the first output port or the second output port of the first switching device based on a state of the first digital control signal; a high power amplifier device, i.e., an HPA device, comprising an HPA input port and an HPA output port, wherein the HPA input port is coupled to the first output port of the first switching device; a second switching device comprising an input port, an output port, and a control port, the control port of the second switching device being configured to receive a second digital control signal, the second switching device being configured to selectively couple the input port of the second switching device with the output port of the second switching device based on a state of the second digital control signal; a power combiner device comprising a first input port, a second input port, and an output port, the first input port of the power combiner device being coupled to the output port of the second switching device, the second input port of the power combiner device being coupled to the second output port of the first switching device along a path that bypasses the HPA device, and the output port of the power combiner device being configured to be coupled to a resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

2. The amplifier circuit according to claim 1, wherein The amplifier circuit is configured to operate at room temperature, and the resonator circuit is configured to operate at cryogenic temperature.

3. The amplifier circuit according to claim 1, wherein The amplifier circuit is configured to operate at room temperature, and at least a portion of the resonator circuit is configured to operate at room temperature.

4. The amplifier circuit of claim 1 , comprising a bandpass filter arrangement coupled between the HPA output port and the first input port of the power combiner arrangement.

5. The amplifier circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the first switching device being configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the first digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the first switching device being coupled to the first output port of the first switching device and being decoupled from the second output port of the first switching device, The second state includes the input port of the first switching device coupled to the second output port of the first switching device and decoupled from the first output port of the first switching device, and The switching time of the first switching device is equal to or less than 1 microsecond (1 μs).

6. The amplifier circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the second switching device being configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the second digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the second switching device being coupled to the output port of the second switching device, The second state includes the input port of the second switching device being decoupled from the output port of the second switching device, and The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 1 μs.

7. A method of operating an amplifier circuit in a magnetic resonance system, the amplifier circuit comprising a first switching device, a high power amplifier (HPA) device, a second switching device, and a power combiner device, the method comprising: While the first switching device is in the first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal at the first switching device; transmitting the first magnetic resonance control signal from the first switching device to the HPA device; amplifying the first magnetic resonance control signal by operation of the HPA device; receiving, at the second switching device, an amplified magnetic resonance signal from the HPA device; passing the amplified magnetic resonance signal to the power combiner device through the second switching device; as well as providing a first output of the power combiner device to a resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system; switching the first switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received by the first switching device; as well as While the first switching device is in the second state: receiving a second magnetic resonance control signal at the first switching device; passing the second magnetic resonance control signal from the first switching device to the power combiner device, wherein passing the second magnetic resonance control signal from the first switching device to the power combiner device bypasses the HPA device; A second output of the power combiner device is provided to a resonator circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The amplifier circuit operates at room temperature, and the resonator circuit operates at cryogenic temperature.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The amplifier circuit operates at room temperature, and at least a portion of the resonator circuit operates at room temperature.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Passing the amplified magnetic resonance signal to the power combiner device through the second switching device includes passing the amplified magnetic resonance signal to the power combiner device through a bandpass filter device.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The first switching device switches from the first state to the second state in a switching time of less than 1 μs.

12. The method according to claim 7, comprising: The first switching device is arbitrarily switched between the second state and the first state such that the magnetic resonance system switches between a continuous wave operation mode and a pulsed operation mode.

13. A resonator circuit configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system, the resonator circuit comprising: a resonator device comprising an input port, an output port, and a resonator coupled between the input port and the output port, the input port of the resonator device being configured to receive a magnetic resonance control signal, the resonator device being configured to generate an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the magnetic resonance control signal; as well as A low noise amplifier device, or LNA device, comprises an LNA input port coupled to the output port of the resonator device and an LNA output port configured to be coupled to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

14. The resonator circuit of claim 13, comprising a switching device coupled between an output port of the resonator device and the LNA input port.

15. The resonator circuit according to claim 14, wherein The switching device includes an input port, a first output port, and a second output port, and the resonator circuit includes a limiter device coupled between the first output port of the switching device and the LNA input port.

16. The resonator circuit according to claim 15, wherein The limiter arrangement comprises an input port and an output port, and the resonator circuit comprises a bandpass filter arrangement coupled between a first output port of the switching arrangement and the input port of the limiter arrangement.

17. The resonator circuit according to claim 14, wherein The switch device includes a control port configured to receive a digital control signal, the switch device being configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the switching device being coupled to the first output port of the switching device and being decoupled from the second output port of the switching device, and The second state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the second output port of the switching device and decoupled from the first output port of the switching device.

18. The resonator circuit of claim 13, comprising a switching device, wherein: The switching device includes an input port and an output port, the output port of the switching device is coupled to the input port of the resonator device, and the input port of the switching device is configured to receive the magnetic resonance control signal.

19. The resonator circuit of claim 18, wherein: The switch device includes a control port configured to receive a digital control signal, the switch device being configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the switching device being coupled to the output port of the switching device, The second state includes the input port of the switching device being decoupled from the output port of the switching device, and The switching time of the switching device is equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds (30 ns).

20. A method of operating a resonator circuit in a magnetic resonance system, the resonator circuit comprising a resonator device and a low noise amplifier device (LNA device), the resonator device comprising an input port, an output port, and a resonator coupled between the input port and the output port, the method comprising: receiving a magnetic resonance control signal at an input port of the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator device, an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the magnetic resonance control signal; obtaining, through operation of the resonator device, a magnetic resonance detection signal based on an interaction between the resonator device and a sample in the sample region; providing the magnetic resonance detection signal from the output port of the resonator device to the LNA device; amplifying the magnetic resonance detection signal by operating the LNA device; as well as The amplified magnetic resonance detection signal is provided to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The resonator circuit includes a switching device, and the method includes: While the switching device is in the first state: receiving the magnetic resonance detection signal at the switching device from an output port of the resonator device; and The magnetic resonance detection signal is transferred from the switching device to the LNA device.

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising: Prior to amplifying the magnetic resonance detection signal, the magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the switching device to a limiter device coupled between the switching device and the LNA device.

23. The method according to claim 21, comprising: switching the switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received by the switching device; as well as During the time when the switching device is in the second state: receiving the magnetic resonance detection signal at the switching device from an output port of the resonator device; as well as The magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device is passed along a path that bypasses the LNA device.

24. The method according to claim 23, comprising: Switching the switching device between the first state and the second state causes the magnetic resonance system to switch between a measurement operating mode and a pulse observation operating mode.

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein The resonator circuit includes a switching device having a switching time equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds (30 ns), and the method includes: before receiving the magnetic resonance control signal at the input port of the resonator device and while the switching device is in the first state, receiving the magnetic resonance control signal at the switching device; and The magnetic resonance control signal is passed from the switching device to an input port of the resonator device.

26. A resonator circuit configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system, the resonator circuit comprising: a resonator arrangement comprising a resonator configured to generate an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to a magnetic resonance control signal received by the resonator arrangement; a switching device comprising an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a control port, the input port of the switching device being coupled to the resonator device, the control port of the switching device being configured to receive a digital control signal, the switching device being configured to selectively couple the input port of the switching device to the first output port or the second output port of the switching device based on a state of the digital control signal, the second output port of the switching device being configured to couple to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system along a path that bypasses a low noise amplifier device (LNA device); as well as The LNA device includes an LNA input port coupled to the first output port of the switching device and an LNA output port configured to be coupled to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

27. The resonator circuit of claim 26, comprising limiter means coupled between the first output port of the switching means and the LNA input port.

28. The resonator circuit according to claim 27, wherein The limiter arrangement comprises an input port and an output port, and the resonator circuit comprises a bandpass filter arrangement coupled between a first output port of the switching arrangement and the input port of the limiter arrangement.

29. The resonator circuit according to claim 26, wherein the switching device being configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the switching device being coupled to the first output port of the switching device and being decoupled from the second output port of the switching device, and The second state includes the input port of the switching device coupled to the second output port of the switching device and decoupled from the first output port of the switching device.

30. The resonator circuit of claim 26, wherein The resonator device comprises an input port and an output port and is configured to operate in a transmit mode, and the first input port of the switching device is coupled to the output port of the resonator device.

31. The resonator circuit of claim 30, wherein: The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a second switching device, wherein the second switching device includes an input port and an output port, the output port of the second switching device is coupled to the input port of the resonator device, and the input port of the second switching device is configured to receive the magnetic resonance control signal.

32. The resonator circuit of claim 30, wherein: the digital control signal received by the first switching device is a first digital control signal, the second switching device comprising a control port configured to receive a second digital control signal and configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the second digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the second switching device being coupled to the output port of the second switching device, The second state includes the input port of the second switching device being decoupled from the output port of the second switching device, and The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds (30 ns).

33. The resonator circuit of claim 26, wherein: The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflective mode, and the input port of the switching device is coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device.

34. The resonator circuit of claim 33, wherein: The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device, wherein the circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device, and an output port coupled to the first input port of the first switching device, and the second switching device includes an input port configured to receive the magnetic resonance control signal and an output port coupled to the input port of the circulator device.

35. The resonator circuit of claim 34, wherein: The circulator device is a directional coupler device.

36. The resonator circuit of claim 34, wherein: The circulator device is a quarter-wave transformer.

37. A method of operating a resonator circuit in a magnetic resonance system, the resonator circuit comprising a resonator device, a switch device and a low noise amplifier device (LNA device), the method comprising: While the switching device is in the first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator arrangement, a first electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the first magnetic resonance control signal; obtaining, by operation of the resonator device, a first magnetic resonance detection signal based on an interaction between the resonator device and a sample in the sample region; transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device through the switching device; amplifying the magnetic resonance detection signal by operating the LNA device; delivering the amplified output to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system; switching the switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received at the switching device; as well as During the time when the switching device is in the second state: receiving a second magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator arrangement, a second electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the second magnetic resonance control signal; obtaining, by operation of the resonator device, a second magnetic resonance detection signal based on interaction between the resonator device and the sample; The second magnetic resonance detection signal is passed through the switching device to the receiver circuit along a path that bypasses the LNA device.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein: The resonator circuit includes a limiter device, and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device through the switch device includes: receiving the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device at the limiter device; and The first magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the limiter arrangement to the LNA arrangement.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein The resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter device, and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device through the switch device includes: receiving the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device at the bandpass filter device; and The first magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the bandpass filter means to the limiter means.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein The resonator device comprises an input port and an output port and is configured to operate in a transmit mode, and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device through the switch device comprises: The first magnetic resonance detection signal is transferred from the output port of the resonator device to the LNA device through the switch device.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein Passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal through the switching device to the receiver circuit along a path that bypasses the LNA device includes: The second magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the output port of the resonator device to the receiver circuit along a path that bypasses the LNA device.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein: The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a second switching device, the switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds (30 ns), and the method includes: receiving the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal at the second switching device; and The first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal is passed from the second switching device to an input port of the resonator device.

43. The method of claim 37, comprising: Switching the switching device between the first state and the second state causes the magnetic resonance system to switch between a measurement operating mode and a pulse observation operating mode.

44. The method of claim 37, wherein: The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode, and passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal to the LNA device through the switching device includes: The first magnetic resonance detection signal is transferred from the input / output port of the resonator device to the LNA device through the switch device.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein: Passing the second magnetic resonance detection signal through the switching device to the receiver circuit along a path that bypasses the LNA device includes: The second magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the input / output port of the resonator device to the receiver circuit along a path that bypasses the LNA device.

46. ​​The method of claim 44, wherein The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device, wherein the circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port, and an output port, and the second switching device includes an input port and an output port, and the method includes: During the period when the second switching device is in the first state, receiving the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal at an input port of the second switching device; transferring the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the second switching device to the output port of the second switching device; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the circulator device through the input / output port of the circulator device to the input / output port of the resonator device; receiving the first magnetic resonance detection signal or the second magnetic resonance detection signal from an input / output port of the resonator device at an input / output port of the circulator device; and The first magnetic resonance detection signal or the second magnetic resonance detection signal is transferred from the input / output port of the circulator device to the first switching device through the output port of the circulator device.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein The circulator device is a directional coupler device.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein The circulator device is a quarter-wave transformer.

49. A resonator circuit configured to operate in a cryogenic environment of a magnetic resonance system, the resonator circuit comprising: a resonator arrangement comprising a resonator configured to generate an electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to a magnetic resonance control signal received by the resonator arrangement; an electromagnetic field sensor arrangement configured to sense the electromagnetic field generated by the resonator arrangement; A switching device includes a first input port, a second input port, an output port, and a control port, wherein the first input port of the switching device is coupled to the resonator device, the second input port of the switching device is coupled to the electromagnetic field sensor device, the control port of the switching device is configured to receive a digital control signal, and the output port of the switching device is configured to be coupled to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system. The switching device is configured to selectively couple the first input port or the second input port of the switching device to the output port of the switching device according to a state of the digital control signal.

50. The resonator circuit of claim 49, comprising a low noise amplifier device (LNA device), the LNA device comprising an LNA input port and an LNA output port, wherein: The LNA input port is coupled to an output port of the switching device, and the LNA output port is configured to be coupled to the receiver circuit.

51. The resonator circuit of claim 50, comprising limiter means coupled between the output port of the switching means and the LNA input port.

52. The resonator circuit of claim 51 , wherein: The limiter arrangement comprises an input port and an output port, and the resonator circuit comprises a bandpass filter arrangement coupled between the output port of the switching arrangement and the input port of the limiter arrangement.

53. The resonator circuit of claim 49, wherein the switching device being configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the digital control signal, The first state includes an output port of the switching device coupled to a first input port of the switching device and decoupled from a second input port of the switching device, and The second state includes the output port of the switching device being coupled to the second input port of the switching device and decoupled from the first input port of the switching device.

54. The resonator circuit of claim 49, wherein The resonator device comprises an input port and an output port and is configured to operate in a transmit mode, and the first input port of the switching device is coupled to the output port of the resonator device.

55. The resonator circuit of claim 49, wherein The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a second switching device, wherein the second switching device includes an input port and an output port, the output port of the second switching device is coupled to the input port of the resonator device, and the input port of the second switching device is configured to receive the magnetic resonance control signal.

56. The resonator circuit of claim 55, wherein the digital control signal received by the first switching device is a first digital control signal, the second switching device comprising a control port configured to receive a second digital control signal and configured to switch between a first state and a second state in response to a change in state of the second digital control signal, The first state includes the input port of the second switching device being coupled to the output port of the second switching device, The second state includes the input port of the second switching device being decoupled from the output port of the second switching device, and The switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds (30 ns).

57. The resonator circuit of claim 49, wherein The resonator device includes an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflective mode, and the first input port of the switching device is coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device.

58. The resonator circuit of claim 57, wherein The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device, wherein the circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port coupled to the input / output port of the resonator device, and an output port coupled to the first input port of the first switching device, and the second switching device includes an input port configured to receive the magnetic resonance control signal and an output port coupled to the input port of the circulator device.

59. The resonator circuit of claim 56, wherein The circulator device is a directional coupler device.

60. The resonator circuit of claim 59, wherein The circulator device is a quarter-wave transformer.

61. The resonator circuit of claim 49, wherein The electromagnetic field sensor arrangement comprises a coil arrangement for sensing a magnetic field.

62. The resonator circuit of claim 49, wherein The electromagnetic field sensor arrangement comprises resistor means for sensing an electric field.

63. A method of operating a resonator circuit in a magnetic resonance system, the resonator circuit comprising a resonator device, an electromagnetic field sensor, and a switching device, the method comprising: While the switching device is in the first state: receiving a first magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator arrangement, a first electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the first magnetic resonance control signal; obtaining, by operation of the resonator device, a first magnetic resonance detection signal based on an interaction between the resonator device and a sample in the sample region; transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system through the switching device; switching the switching device from the first state to a second state in response to a digital control signal received at the switching device; as well as During the time when the switching device is in the second state: receiving a second magnetic resonance control signal at the resonator device; generating, by operation of the resonator arrangement, a second electromagnetic field in a sample region of the magnetic resonance system in response to the second magnetic resonance control signal; generating, through operation of the electromagnetic field sensor, a sensor output signal based on interaction between the second electromagnetic field and the electromagnetic field sensor; The sensor output signal is passed through the switching device to the receiver circuit.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein The resonator circuit comprises a low noise amplifier device (LNA device), and the method comprises: passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switching device through the LNA device before passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal through the switching device to the receiver circuit; and The sensor output signal is passed from the switching device through the LNA device before being passed through the switching device to the receiver circuit.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein The resonator circuit comprises a limiter device, Passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device to the LNA device includes passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch device to the LNA device through the limiter device; as well as Passing the sensor output signal from the switching device to the LNA device includes passing the sensor output signal from the switching device to the LNA device through the limiter device.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein The resonator circuit includes a bandpass filter arrangement, and the method comprises: passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal from the switch means through the bandpass filter means to the limiter means; and The sensor output signal is passed from the switch means through the bandpass filter means to the limiter means.

67. The method of claim 63, wherein The resonator device comprises an input port and an output port and is configured to operate in a transmit mode, and the receiver circuitry for transmitting the first magnetic resonance detection signal through the switch device to the magnetic resonance system comprises: The first magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the output port of the resonator device through the switching device to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a second switching device, the switching time of the second switching device is equal to or less than 30 nanoseconds (30 ns), and the method includes: receiving the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal at the second switching device; and The first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal is passed from the second switching device to an input port of the resonator device.

69. The method of claim 63, wherein The resonator device comprises an input / output port and is configured to operate in a reflection mode, and the receiver circuitry for passing the first magnetic resonance detection signal through the switching device to the magnetic resonance system comprises: The first magnetic resonance detection signal is passed from the input / output port of the resonator device through the switching device to a receiver circuit of the magnetic resonance system.

70. The method of claim 63, comprising: Switching the switching device between the first state and the second state causes the magnetic resonance system to switch between a measurement operating mode and a pulse observation operating mode.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein The switching device is a first switching device, the resonator circuit includes a circulator device and a second switching device, wherein the circulator device includes an input port, an input / output port, and an output port, and the second switching device includes an input port and an output port, and the method includes: During the period when the second switching device is in the first state, receiving the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal at an input port of the second switching device; transferring the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the second switching device to the output port of the second switching device; passing the first magnetic resonance control signal or the second magnetic resonance control signal from the input port of the circulator device through the input / output port of the circulator device to the input / output port of the resonator device; receiving the first magnetic resonance detection signal from an input / output port of the resonator device at an input / output port of the circulator device; and The first magnetic resonance detection signal is transferred from the input / output port of the circulator device to the first switching device through the output port of the circulator device.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein The circulator device is a directional coupler device.

73. The method of claim 71, wherein The circulator device is a quarter-wave transformer.

74. A magnetic resonance system comprising: Primary magnet system; a resonator unit comprising a resonator device; as well as Means for switching the magnetic resonance system between a continuous wave mode of operation and a pulsed mode of operation.

75. The magnetic resonance system of claim 74, wherein: The means for switching comprises a control unit which controls the respective states of one or more switches in the magnetic resonance system.

76. A magnetic resonance method comprising: operating the magnetic resonance system in a continuous wave mode of operation; operating the magnetic resonance system in a pulsed operating mode; as well as The magnetic resonance system is changed between the pulsed mode of operation and the continuous wave mode of operation.

77. The magnetic resonance method according to claim 76, wherein: The magnetic resonance system includes a plurality of switches, and changing the magnetic resonance system between the pulsed operating mode and the continuous wave operating mode includes executing control logic for manipulating respective states of the plurality of switches.

78. A magnetic resonance system comprising: Primary magnet system; a resonator unit comprising a resonator device; as well as Means for switching the magnetic resonance system between a measurement mode of operation and a pulsed observation mode of operation.

79. The magnetic resonance system of claim 78, wherein: The means for switching comprises a control unit which controls the respective states of one or more switches in the magnetic resonance system.

80. A magnetic resonance method comprising: operating the magnetic resonance system in a measurement mode of operation; operating the magnetic resonance system in a pulsed observation mode of operation; as well as The magnetic resonance system is changed between the measurement mode of operation and the pulsed observation mode of operation.

81. The magnetic resonance method according to claim 80, wherein: The magnetic resonance system includes a plurality of switches, and changing the magnetic resonance system between the measurement mode of operation and the pulse observation mode of operation includes executing control logic for manipulating respective states of the plurality of switches.

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