Illumination inserts for NMR spectrometers

Abstract

An illumination insert for an NMR spectrometer, the illumination insert being shaped to receive a sample and including a light guide portion for guiding light from a light source and a diffusing portion for diffusing light received from the light guide portion toward the sample received in the illumination insert.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to illumination inserts, and in particular to illumination inserts for use in NMR spectrometers. [Background technology]

[0002] Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an established and extremely powerful technique for the chemical characterization of materials, including the structure of large and small biomolecules and chemicals. Because NMR spectroscopy accurately reflects and reports the composition of a sample in situ, it can be used to monitor the progress of chemical reactions and structural changes. In recent years, it has become widely recognized that many chemical and enzymatic reactions are regulated by light. Illumination of samples during NMR experiments can also dramatically increase the sensitivity of such experiments. Therefore, the combination of illumination and high-resolution NMR spectroscopy has been recognized as a promising emerging technology in recent years.

[0003] Existing NMR spectrometers with illumination capabilities include systems that utilize optical fibers to direct light (from lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) to a region directly above the sample under investigation. This results in a significantly non-uniform distribution of light intensity across the sample (e.g., one side illuminated, the other not). In some known configurations, the optical fiber extends into the sample, which leads to magnetic field distortions, difficult sample simulation and solvent signal suppression, potential sample contamination, and again, non-uniform light distribution. Some prior art devices use a combination of an optical fiber and a glass coaxial insert that extends into the sample under investigation. This configuration results in non-uniform magnetic fields and, in cryoprobes, reduced experimental sensitivity (i.e., a reduced signal-to-noise ratio). In general, the use of optical fibers dramatically reduces the intensity of light that can reach the sample. Furthermore, it is difficult to use optical fibers with sealed or pre-sealed samples (e.g., oxygen-sensitive samples).

[0004] Due to the geometry of the NMR spectrometer (and the bore of the NMR spectrometer into which the sample is typically introduced), it is often difficult to deliver light to the sample in a way that does not adversely affect the magnetic field within the NMR spectrometer.

[0005] Furthermore, certain known configurations make it difficult to adjust the light in situ and are not suitable for providing a convenient selection of different illumination frequencies or combinations thereof.

[0006] One known prior art system is described in EP 3608684 A1 (Technische Universitat Graz), which provides an insert device including a non-magnetic transport structure with a cavity for accommodating an RF coil and a sample. A light source is disposed in a corresponding opening in the transport structure facing the sample to provide illumination. A reflective material is disposed within the transport structure to reflect light toward the sample.

[0007] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to overcome certain shortcomings associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination insert for an NMR spectrometer, the illumination insert being configured to receive a sample; a light guide portion for guiding light from the light source; a diffusing portion for diffusing light received from the light guide portion toward a sample received in the illumination insert; Includes.

[0009] In some embodiments, the illumination insert includes a body, the body including a light guiding portion and a diffusing portion. The body may be a single piece. The body may be a tube having an open end, a closed end, and a bore, within which the sample may be received. The illumination insert may include a cap sealing the open end of the tube, the cap optionally being transparent.

[0010] In some embodiments, the illumination insert can be shaped to receive a sample holder, and the sample holder can contain a sample. The body can be a tube having a first open end, a second open end, and a through bore through the tube, and the sample holder can be received within the through bore. In some embodiments, the diffusing portion can be positionable near an RF coil of an NMR spectrometer. In some embodiments, the RF coil can be positioned radially outward from the tube near the diffusing portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the illumination insert may include a housing that houses at least a portion of the light guiding portion or the diffusing portion. The housing may include a non-magnetic material, and optionally, the non-magnetic material is aluminum or copper. In some embodiments, the housing may be configured to install the illumination insert in an NMR spectrometer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the body may include a reflective coating to improve the internal reflection of the body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lighting insert may further include one or more light sources for providing light to the light guide. The one or more light sources may include one or more of a light emitting diode, a laser, or a laser diode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lighting insert may include an auxiliary light guide for directing light from a remote light source to the light guide.

[0015] The lighting insert may include one or more intermediate light-transmitting components to facilitate transmission of light into the light guide. The one or more intermediate light-transmitting components may focus the light towards the light guide.

[0016] The lighting insert may include one or more reflectors for reflecting light towards the light guide.

[0017] In some embodiments, the diffusing portion may include a plurality of light scattering centers that collectively scatter light received from the light guide toward the sample received in the illumination insert. The plurality of light scattering centers may be provided within the diffusing portion or on a surface of the diffusing portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of light scattering centers may include a plurality of defects, optionally including a plurality of grooves, dents, and / or scratches. In some embodiments, the plurality of light scattering centers may be non-uniformly distributed in and / or on the diffusing portion.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the illumination insert may include a heat sink to facilitate heat removal from the light source. The heat sink may be a dedicated component or, for example, may be a separate component with multiple functions (e.g., a housing may act as a heat sink). The heat sink may serve to facilitate heat transfer from the illumination insert, for example, into a magnet bore of an NMR spectrometer into which the illumination insert is inserted. Air flow in the magnet bore may assist in the transfer of heat from the illumination insert. Additionally or alternatively, additional air flow means may be provided to provide air flow that facilitates heat removal from the illumination insert.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an NMR probehead housing including an illumination insert, the illumination insert including a body in the form of a tube having a first open end, a second open end, and a through bore therethrough, the sample holder being receivable within the through bore, the body including: a light guide portion for guiding light from the light source; a diffusing portion for diffusing light received from the light guide portion toward a sample received in the illumination insert; Includes.

[0020] The NMR probehead housing may include an RF coil positioned radially outward from the tube, hi some embodiments, the RF coil may be positioned proximate to the diffusion section.

[0021] In an embodiment, the NMR probehead housing can include a sample holder received in the throughbore and an RF coil positioned between the tube and the sample holder near the diffusion section.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an NMR spectrometer including the above illumination insert or the above NMR probehead housing.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a lighting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a portion of a lighting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 illustrates a lighting insert according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates a lighting insert according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 illustrates a lighting insert according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An illumination insert 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The illumination insert 10 is configured for insertion into a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer (not shown in FIG. 1). When received in the NMR spectrometer, the illumination insert 10 serves to illuminate a sample contained within the illumination insert 10. Thus, the sample may be illuminated with light while being subjected to magnetic fields and radio waves provided by an RF coil within the NMR spectrometer. The illumination may serve to increase the sensitivity of NMR characterization of the sample and / or to induce chemical, structural, or physical changes in the sample.

[0026] The illumination insert 10 includes a body 12 in the form of an elongated tube having an open end 12a, a closed end 12b, and a (blind) bore 12c formed therein that defines a volume for containing a sample 30 to be analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. In one embodiment, the sample 30 is a liquid.

[0027] The body 12 includes a light guide portion 14 and a diffuser portion 16. The light guide portion 14 is configured to direct light received from a light source 22 toward the diffuser portion 16. While one light source 22 is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it should be understood that any embodiment may include any number of light sources, and the illustrated embodiment is not limiting in this respect. In some embodiments, multiple light sources 22 may be provided to provide illumination of different wavelengths. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, light is directed from the light source 22 toward the diffuser portion 16 by total internal reflection of the light along the walls of the tube 12 of the light guide portion 14. The walls of the tube 12 should be sufficiently thick and formed from a suitable transparent material to allow transmission and internal reflection through the material. In some embodiments, the tube 12 includes glass, at least along the light guide portion 14.

[0028] Diffusing section 16 is positioned toward closed end 12b of tube 12 such that (when tube 12 is oriented such that gravity positions the sample toward closed end 12b of tube 12), diffusing section 16 surrounds sample 30 contained in bore 12c. Throughout the figures, exemplary light paths are represented by dashed arrows.

[0029] 1, the body 12 is a single piece. In alternative embodiments, the body 12 may include multiple pieces that are, for example, connected to one another, affixed to one another, or positioned relative to one another. However, the use of a single piece simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the lighting insert 10 and reduces optical losses between the light-guiding portion 14 and the diffusing portion 16.

[0030] The illumination insert 10 can be positioned in an NMR spectrometer such that the sample 30 contained therein is located within an NMR detection region (indicated by reference numeral 32 in FIG. 1 ) near the RF coil(s) of the NMR spectrometer. The active volume 32 of the NMR spectrometer is a volume in which a magnetic field exists, in which the sample 30 in the active volume 32 is subjected to magnetic and radio waves and can therefore be investigated using NMR spectroscopy. The radio waves may be created by one or more RF coils. The diffuser 16 is configured to diffuse light received from the light guide 14 toward the sample 30 received in the bore 12c. The sample may then be placed in the NMR spectrometer and substantially uniformly illuminated by the light source 22. In a preferred embodiment, the diffuser 16 is positioned within the coil of the NMR spectrometer (i.e., between the coil and the sample 30).

[0031] The diffusing portion 16 may be made of any suitable material and / or may have a suitable shape capable of diffusing light toward the sample 30. In some embodiments, this may be achieved by a plurality of light scattering centers 17 that collectively scatter light received from the light guide 14 toward the sample 30. For example, the plurality of light scattering centers 17 may be formed on the outer surface of the tube 12 along the diffusing portion 16 or within the material of the tube 12 itself. The plurality of light scattering centers 17 may include defects or imperfections, which may include one or more dents, scratches, notches, surface roughening, or any other suitable surface modification that increases the diffusion of light in that portion of the tube 12. The plurality of light scattering centers 17 may be non-uniformly distributed along the diffusing portion 16. In some embodiments, the light guide 14 is substantially free of light scattering centers disposed on or within the diffusing portion 16.

[0032] The illumination insert 10 may include a body cap 18 that may close the open end 12a of the tube (body) 12. The body cap 12 may provide an airtight seal to the tube 12 so as to seal the sample 30 in the bore 12c of the tube 12. The body cap 18 may be sufficiently transparent to allow light from the light source 22 to be transmitted into the light guide 14 of the tube 12. In some embodiments, the body cap 18 may be shaped to provide a degree of focusing to the light transmitted therethrough.

[0033] Light source 22 may be any suitable light source. In some embodiments, light source 22 may provide one wavelength or multiple wavelengths of light. In some embodiments, light source 22 may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, or a laser. In some embodiments, light source 22 is made from a substantially non-magnetic material, such as currently commercially available non-magnetic LEDs. Such embodiments reduce the effect on the magnetic field generated by the NMR spectrometer. In some embodiments, multiple light sources 22 may be provided, and the multiple light sources 22 may not necessarily be identical to one another. In some embodiments, multiple light sources 22 may be provided, each providing light of a different frequency and / or intensity. Light sources 22 may be selectively controlled to provide light of a required duration, frequency, and / or intensity. Light source 22 may be removable to facilitate replacement of light source 22 as needed. In some embodiments, light source 22 may be controlled (e.g., synchronized) with respect to the radio frequency pulses of the NMR spectrometer.

[0034] 1, light source 22 is connected to a pair of electrical connectors 24 to provide power to light source 22. Reflector 26 is provided around light source 22 and is configured to reflect light from light source 22 toward light guide 14, thereby increasing the intensity of light transmitted through light guide 14. Some embodiments may not include reflector 26.

[0035] In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1 , an intermediate light-transmitting element 28 is provided between the light source 22 and the light guide 14. The intermediate light-transmitting element 28 may serve to facilitate the transmission of light from the light source 22 to the light guide 14. In some embodiments, the intermediate light-transmitting element 28 may provide some focusing of the light traveling from the light source 22 to the light guide 14. In some embodiments, the intermediate light-transmitting element 28 may include one or more of a flat protective glass element, a lens, an axicon, an optical waveguide, an optical tunnel, or an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the intermediate light-transmitting element 28 may additionally or alternatively provide a protective or barrier function. For example, the intermediate light-transmitting element 28 may protect the light source 22 from surrounding elements, such as the body cap 18, or, in embodiments where the body cap 18 is not present, may protect the open end of the body 12. In embodiments where the body cap 18 is not present, the intermediate light-transmitting element 28 may serve to cover and / or seal the open end of the body 12. The intermediate light-transmitting component 28 may serve to prevent contamination or damage to the light source 22. In such an embodiment, the intermediate light-transmitting component 28 may include a glass window (eg, made from quartz glass).

[0036] The lighting insert 10 includes a housing 20 that houses a portion of the tube 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 20 houses a portion of the light guide 14 and a main housing cap 18. Additionally, the housing 20 houses a light source 22, a reflector 26, and an intermediate light-transmitting component 28. In alternative embodiments, some or all of these components may be located outside the housing 20. The housing in the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a first housing portion 20a and a second housing portion 20b. The first housing portion 20a and the second housing portion 20b may be part of a single component. In other embodiments, they may be separate components assembled together. The housing 20 has a generally cylindrical profile, with the first housing portion 20a having a larger diameter than the second housing portion 20b (in alternative embodiments, the first housing portion 20a and the second housing portion 20b may have the same diameter, i.e., form a single cylindrical portion). The first housing portion 20a houses a portion of the light guide 14, the main housing cap 18, the light source 22, the reflector 26, and the intermediate light-transmitting component 28. The second housing portion 20b houses only a portion of the light guide 14. In alternative embodiments, other combinations of components may be included in the first housing portion 20a and / or the second housing portion 20b. The housing 20 is axisymmetric about the longitudinal axis so that the illumination insert 10 can be inserted into the bore of the NMR spectrometer in any rotational orientation (about the longitudinal axis). However, in some embodiments, a particular rotational orientation may be desired, and the shape of the housing 20 may facilitate or provide a guide for correct orientation during insertion. In some embodiments, the tube 12 may be movable relative to the housing 20. The second housing portion 20b may further serve to locate the illumination insert 10 in the NMR spectrometer and reduce lateral movement of the illumination insert 10 during insertion. The housing 20 may be removably attachable to the tube 12 and / or light source 22, for example, by a pair of cooperating threads or a push-fit. In some alternative embodiments, the housing 20 may not be cylindrical and / or may not be axisymmetric about the longitudinal axis.

[0037] The housing 20 may comprise a non-magnetic material, such as aluminum, copper, or a non-magnetic alloy. Such embodiments may reduce the housing's effect on the magnetic field generated by the NMR spectrometer and aid in the dissipation of heat generated by the light source 22. That is, in some embodiments, the housing 20 may provide a heat sink for dissipating heat from the light source 22. In other embodiments, a separate heat sink may be provided. In some embodiments, cooling of the illumination insert 10 and / or cooling of the heat sink may be achieved by using the existing airflow in the magnet bore of the NMR spectrometer into which the illumination insert 10 is inserted. In some embodiments, additional airflow means for cooling may be provided. In some embodiments, the illumination insert 10 may include or be equipped with means (e.g., a thermistor or thermocouple) for measuring the temperature of components of the illumination insert 10, the light source, or the heat sink.

[0038] Some embodiments may not include a housing at all, and in such embodiments, the various components of the illumination insert 10 may be otherwise arranged relative to each other (and to the NMR spectrometer).

[0039] The electrical connector 24 may include an electrical wire or other elongated conductor connectable to a power source to provide power to the light source 22. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 24 may include a terminal to which an electrical wire or other conductor may connect to connect the light source 22 to a power source. For example, when the illumination insert 10 is inserted into an NMR spectrometer, only the light source 22 may be connected or connectable to a power source.

[0040] Energizing the electrical connector 24 may be controlled by a control system, which may be the control system of the NMR spectrometer (or may at least be communicatively coupled to the NMR spectrometer). For example, the light source 22 may be switched on and off in synchronization with the radio frequency pulses of the NMR spectrometer.

[0041] Certain principles associated with embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to FIG. 2. Specifically, uniform illumination of the sample 30 can be achieved by a non-uniform distribution of scattering centers (imperfections 17) within the wall of the tube 12 around the sample 30 or on the outer surface of the tube 12. Light travels along the wall of the light-guiding section 14 of the tube 12 without significant scattering until it enters the diffusing section 16. To illustrate this principle, the sample area (i.e., the area near the sample 30) can be conveniently divided into multiple short segments 42. FIG. 2 shows 10 segments 42 as an example, but this number can be more or less, and the same principles still apply. With the 10 segments 42 shown in FIG. 2, only 1 / 10 of the light entering the sample area along the wall of the tube 12 is scattered in the first segment, and 9 / 10 of the light travels to the next segment. The amount and distribution of scattering centers 17 present in the first segment ensures that only this proportion of light is scattered there. Similarly, only a certain percentage of the remaining light (1 / 9) will be scattered in the second segment, 1 / 8 of the remaining light will be scattered in the third segment, 1 / 7 of the remaining light will be scattered in the fourth segment, 1 / 6 of the remaining light will be scattered in the fifth segment, 1 / 5 of the remaining light will be scattered in the fourth segment, 1 / 4 of the remaining light will be scattered in the seventh segment, 1 / 3 of the remaining light will be scattered in the eighth segment, 1 / 2 of the remaining light will be scattered in the ninth segment, and finally the remaining light will be scattered in the tenth segment. The location and configuration of these scattering centers 17 required to achieve this result will depend on a combination of factors such as the refractive index of the glass used in tube 12, the wall thickness of tube 12, the angle at which the light enters tube 12, the optical properties of sample 30, and the nature of the scattering centers 17 themselves. Therefore, one skilled in the art will be able to use the above principles to optimize the location of scattering centers 17 to suit the selected shape of tube 12, light focusing system, and light source 22. For example, for a given tube 12, circular grooves or scratches can be made in the outer surface of the tube 12 with uneven spacing between them.While manufacturing the tube 12, the location of such grooves or scratches may be determined, for example, by measuring the actual amount of scattered light along the longitudinal axis of the tube 12 in the sample area using a photodetector external to the sample 30, or by observing the uniformity of the fluorescence of the test sample 30 within the tube 12, or by any other means available to one skilled in the art.

[0042] A lighting insert 110 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The lighting insert 110 of Figure 3 shares many features with the lighting insert 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Similar features are indicated using reference numerals substituted for 100.

[0043] The tube 112 of the lighting insert 110 of FIG. 3 extends entirely through the housing 120, with the open end 112a and closed end 112b not housed within the housing 120.

[0044] The lighting insert 110 includes two light sources 122 arranged around the tube 112. Thus, light enters the wall of the tube 112 through the outer surface of the tube 112 (as opposed to through the main cap 18 and the top open end 112a of the tube 12 in FIG. 1). Therefore, the cap 118 covering the open end 112a does not need to be transparent. To facilitate light transmission into the tube 112, an intermediate light-transmitting element 128 is provided. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 3, the intermediate light-transmitting element 128 includes a funnel-shaped element. The funnel-shaped element is made of a transparent material with a refractive index that matches the refractive index of the tube 112. The funnel-shaped element is shaped to collect light from the light sources 122 and direct the light to the wall of the tube 112 so that the light can be transmitted through the wall of the tube 112. Optionally, the outer surface of the intermediate light-transmitting element 128 may include a reflective layer to improve the light-transmitting properties of the intermediate light-transmitting element 128 and aid in internal reflection. In other embodiments, a separate reflector may be provided.

[0045] A lighting insert 210 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. The lighting insert 210 of Figure 4 shares many features with the lighting insert 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and the lighting insert 110 described above with reference to Figure 3. Similar features are indicated using reference numerals substituted with 200 for the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] The body 212 in the embodiment of Figure 4 is formed as a tube having a first open end 212a and a second open end 212d. That is, the tube 212 is a hollow cylinder having a through bore 212c (as opposed to the blind bore of the tubes of the previous embodiments). Thus, the bore 212c provides a volume that can receive the sample 230, but the tube 212 cannot accommodate only the sample 230. Instead, the bore 212c of the tube 212 may receive a sample holder 234 that contains the sample 230 therein. A sample holder cap 236 may be provided to seal the sample 230 within the sample holder 234. The sample holder cap 236 need not be transparent in embodiments that do not require light transmission therethrough (such as the embodiment shown in Figure 4).

[0047] Tube 212 includes a light-guiding portion 214 and a diffusing portion 216, similar to the previous embodiment. Diffusing portion 216 is positioned in tube 212 such that when sample holder 234 is received in bore 212c of tube 212, the sample is proximate to diffusing portion 216. Furthermore, tube 212 and sample holder 234 are positionable in NMR probehead housing 238 with sample holder 234 inserted into channel 238a such that diffusing portion 216 and sample 230 are positioned near RF coil 240 of NMR probehead housing 238. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , coil 240 is positioned outside tube 212. In other embodiments, tube 212 may be positioned relative to sample holder 234 such that coil 240 is between tube 212 and sample holder 234 during use.

[0048] A pair of light sources 222 are mounted below the tube 212 so that light is transmitted through the second open end 212d into the wall of the tube 212. An intermediate light transmitting element 228 may direct the light to a desired light entry point on the tube 212.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the tube 212 comprises a reflective outer coating that serves to improve the light-containing properties of the tube 212 and aid in internal reflection. Alternatively or additionally, the top surface of the wall of the first open end 212a may comprise a reflective coating so that light reaching this portion of the tube 212 is reflected back towards the sample 230.

[0050] Once assembled (eg, embedded) in the NMR probehead housing 238, the illumination insert 210 may remain therein.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the illumination insert 210 does not include a housing. In fact, in some embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in Figure 4), a housing may not be provided. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the various components of the illumination insert 210 are positioned relative to one another by being embedded in the NMR probehead housing 238.

[0052] A lighting insert 310 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. The lighting insert 310 of Figure 5 shares many features with the lighting insert 10 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and the lighting insert 110 described above with reference to Figure 3. Similar features are indicated with reference numerals substituted with 300 for the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] The illumination insert 310 of FIG. 5 is similar to the illumination insert 10 of FIG. 1 , except that the illumination insert 310 does not include a light source. Instead, an auxiliary light guide 344 is provided to guide light from a remote light source to the tube 312. The auxiliary light guide 344 may include an optical fiber or other means for transmitting light from the remote light source to the tube 312. The remote light source may be, for example, one or more LEDs, laser diodes, or lasers. In embodiments with a remote light source, the light source may be located away from the magnet of the NMR spectrometer to reduce the effect the light source may have on the magnetic field generated by the magnet, allowing for the use of light sources that include magnetic materials, such as special or solid-state lasers.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that none of the above features are necessarily limited to the particular embodiment described, and in fact the above features may be combined in any suitable combination to form alternative embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," and are not intended to exclude (and do not exclude) other components, additional parts, components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims, the singular includes the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to contemplate the plural as well as the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

[0056] It is understood that any feature, integer, property, compound, chemical moiety, or chemical group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention is applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, except to the extent inconsistent therewith. All features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel, or any novel combination of, features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel, or any novel combination of steps of any method or process disclosed herein.

[0057] The reader's attention is drawn to all documents related to this application, filed contemporaneously with or prior to this application, and opened for public inspection herewith, the contents of all such documents being incorporated herein by reference. In order to maintain the disclosure of the present application as originally filed, the contents of claims 1 to 28 as originally filed are added below. (Claim 1) 1. An illumination insert for an NMR spectrometer, the illumination insert configured to receive a sample; a light guide portion for guiding light from the light source; a diffusing portion for diffusing light received from the light guide portion toward a specimen received in the illumination insert; Lighting inserts including. (Claim 2) The lighting insert of claim 1 , comprising a body, the body comprising the light-guiding portion and the diffusing portion. (Claim 3) The lighting insert of claim 2 , wherein the body is a single piece. (Claim 4) 4. The illumination insert of claim 2 or 3, wherein the body is a tube having an open end, a closed end, and a bore capable of receiving the sample. (Claim 5) 5. The lighting insert of claim 4, including a cap sealing the open end of the tube, optionally the cap being transparent. (Claim 6) 4. The illumination insert of claim 1, wherein the illumination insert is shaped to receive a sample holder, the sample holder being capable of containing a sample. (Claim 7) 7. The lighting insert of claim 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the body is a tube having a first open end, a second open end, and a through bore passing through the tube, and wherein the sample holder can be received within the through bore. (Claim 8) 8. The illumination insert according to claim 1, wherein the diffusing portion is positionable near an RF coil of an NMR spectrometer. (Claim 9) 9. The lighting insert according to claim 1, comprising a housing that accommodates at least a portion of the light guiding portion or the diffusing portion. (Claim 10) 10. The lighting insert of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a non-magnetic material, optionally the non-magnetic material being aluminum or copper. (Claim 11) 11. The illumination insert of claim 9 or 10, wherein the housing is configured to mount the illumination insert in the NMR spectrometer. (Claim 12) 12. The lighting insert according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body comprises a reflective coating for improving internal reflection of the body. (Claim 13) 13. The lighting insert of claim 1, further comprising one or more light sources for providing light to said light guide. (Claim 14) The lighting insert of claim 13 , wherein the one or more light sources include one or more of a light emitting diode, a laser, or a laser diode. (Claim 15) 13. The lighting insert of any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising an auxiliary light guide for guiding light from a remote light source towards the light guide. (Claim 16) 16. A lighting insert according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising one or more intermediate light-transmitting components for facilitating the transmission of light into the light guide. (Claim 17) 17. The lighting insert of claim 16, wherein the one or more intermediate light-transmitting components focus light toward the light guide. (Claim 18) 18. A lighting insert according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more reflectors for reflecting light towards the light guide. (Claim 19) 19. The lighting insert of claim 1, wherein the diffusion portion includes a plurality of light scattering centers that collectively scatter light received from the light guiding portion toward a sample received in the lighting insert. (Claim 20) 20. The lighting insert of claim 19, wherein the plurality of light scattering centers are provided within the diffusing portion or on a surface of the diffusing portion. (Claim 21) 21. The lighting insert of claim 19 or 20, wherein the plurality of light scattering centers comprises a plurality of defects, optionally the plurality of defects comprises a plurality of grooves, dents and / or scratches. (Claim 22) 22. The lighting insert according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the plurality of light scattering centers are non-uniformly distributed within and / or on the diffusing portion. (Claim 23) 23. A lighting insert according to any preceding claim, including a heat sink for facilitating the removal of heat from the light source. (Claim 24) 1. An NMR probehead housing including an illumination insert, the illumination insert including a body in the form of a tube, the tube having a first open end, a second open end, and a through bore therethrough, a sample holder may be received within the through bore, the body comprising: a light guide portion for guiding light from the light source; a diffusing portion for diffusing light received from the light guide portion toward a specimen received in the illumination insert; an NMR probe head housing comprising: (Claim 25) 25. The NMR probe head housing of claim 24, including an RF coil disposed radially outwardly of the tube. (Claim 26) 26. The NMR probe head housing of claim 25, wherein the RF coil is positioned near the diffusion portion. (Claim 27) 25. The NMR probehead housing of claim 24, including a sample holder received in the throughbore and an RF coil positioned between the tube and the sample holder near the diffusion section. (Claim 28) 28. An NMR spectrometer comprising an illumination insert according to any one of claims 1 to 23 or an NMR probehead housing according to any one of claims 24 to 27.

Claims

1. 1. An illumination insert for an NMR spectrometer, said illumination insert having a body in the form of a tube shaped to receive a sample, said body comprising: a light guide portion for guiding light from the light source; a diffusing section for diffusing the light received from the light guiding section toward the sample received in the tube; A lighting insert having

2. The lighting insert of claim 1 , wherein the body is a single piece.

3. 3. The illumination insert of claim 1, wherein the tube has an open end, a closed end, and a bore capable of receiving the sample.

4. The lighting insert of claim 3 , including a cap sealing the open end of the tube, optionally the cap being transparent.

5. An illumination insert as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the tube has a first open end, a second open end, and a through bore passing through the tube, and a sample holder can be received within the through bore.

6. An illumination insert described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the illumination insert is inserted into an NMR spectrometer, the diffusion portion is positionable within an NMR detection region adjacent to an RF coil of the NMR spectrometer.

7. The lighting insert according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a housing that houses at least a portion of the light guiding portion or the diffusing portion.

8. The lighting insert of claim 7 , wherein the housing comprises a non-magnetic material, optionally the non-magnetic material being aluminum or copper.

9. The illumination insert of claim 7 or 8, wherein the housing is configured to mount the illumination insert in the NMR spectrometer.

10. The lighting insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a reflective coating for improving internal reflection of the body.

11. The lighting insert of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising one or more light sources for providing light to said light guide.

12. The lighting insert of claim 11 , wherein the one or more light sources include one or more of a light emitting diode, a laser, or a laser diode.

13. A lighting insert according to any preceding claim, comprising an auxiliary light guide for directing light from a remote light source towards the light guide.

14. A lighting insert according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising one or more intermediate light-transmitting components for facilitating the transmission of light into the light guide.

15. The lighting insert of claim 14 , wherein the one or more intermediate light-transmitting components focus light toward the light guide.

16. The lighting insert according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more reflectors for reflecting light towards the light guide.

17. The lighting insert of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the diffusion portion includes a plurality of light scattering centers that collectively scatter light received from the light guiding portion toward the sample received in the tube.

18. 18. The lighting insert of claim 17, wherein the plurality of light scattering centers are provided within the diffusing portion or on a surface of the diffusing portion.

19. 19. The lighting insert of claim 17 or 18, wherein the plurality of light scattering centers comprises a plurality of defects, optionally the plurality of defects comprises a plurality of grooves, dents, and / or scratches.

20. 20. The lighting insert according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the plurality of light scattering centers are non-uniformly distributed within and / or on the diffusing portion.

21. A lighting insert according to any preceding claim, including a heat sink for facilitating the removal of heat from the light source.

22. 1. An NMR probehead housing including an illumination insert, the illumination insert including a body in the form of a tube, the tube having a first open end, a second open end, and a through bore therethrough, the through bore capable of receiving a sample holder, the body comprising: a light guide portion for guiding light from the light source; a diffusing portion for diffusing light received from the light guiding portion toward a sample in the sample holder received within the through bore of the body of the illumination insert; 1. An NMR probe head housing comprising:

23. 23. The NMR probe head housing of claim 22 including an RF coil disposed radially outwardly of the tube.

24. 24. The NMR probe head housing of claim 23, wherein the RF coil is positioned near the diffusion portion such that the sample is within an NMR detection region.

25. 23. The NMR probe head housing of claim 22 including a sample holder received in the through bore and an RF coil positioned between the tube and the sample holder near the diffuser so that the sample in the sample holder is in an NMR detection region.

26. An NMR spectrometer comprising an illumination insert according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or an NMR probehead housing according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

Images