Low-field NMR Device Using DNP Amplification to Boost Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance devices face challenges in achieving high MRI imaging sensitivity due to the need for large prepolarization magnetic fields, which are difficult to implement and cause electrical interference with SQUID sensors, and are costly to develop.
Innovation Solution
A low-field NMR/MRI apparatus that uses dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) to amplify nuclear polarization of hydrogen atoms without a prepolarization magnetic field, employing a DNP amplification unit with a bias magnetic field coil, a gel-filtration matrix, and an RF resonance circuit to provide amplified nuclear polarization to a measurement target, measured using a SQUID sensor or optically-pumped atomic magnetometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large prepolarization magnetic field is applied to increase MRI imaging sensitivity, then the imaging sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the need for large current driving circuits and cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the prepolarization magnetic field component from the system, replacing it with a DNP-based signal amplification mechanism. This eliminates the need for complex high-current driving circuits and cooling systems while maintaining or improving imaging sensitivity through dynamic nuclear polarization of endogenous contrast agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter approach from using high magnetic field strength (prepolarization field) to using dynamic nuclear polarization enhancement. By manipulating the polarization state of nuclear spins through DNP rather than increasing the magnetic field magnitude, the system achieves higher sensitivity without the associated complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a large prepolarization magnetic field is applied to increase MRI imaging sensitivity, then the imaging sensitivity is improved, but electrical interference with the SQUID sensor occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the prepolarization magnetic field source that causes electrical interference with the SQUID sensor. By replacing the high-field approach with DNP-based amplification, the harmful electromagnetic interference is eliminated while preserving the ability to achieve high imaging sensitivity through alternative physical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic nuclear polarization as an intermediary mechanism to achieve signal amplification without directly applying large magnetic fields near the SQUID sensor. The DNP process acts as a mediator that transfers polarization enhancement to the measurement process without requiring the problematic high-field configuration.
3Measurement precision
If a large prepolarization magnetic field is applied to increase MRI imaging sensitivity, then the imaging sensitivity is improved, but the development cost increases due to the complexity of the prepolarization coil system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive prepolarization coil system from the device architecture. By using endogenous contrast agents and DNP-based amplification, the system achieves high imaging sensitivity without the substantial development and manufacturing costs associated with building and maintaining large-scale prepolarization magnetic field systems.
4Measurement precision
If a large prepolarization magnetic field is applied to increase MRI imaging sensitivity, then the imaging sensitivity is improved, but spatial limitations are imposed due to the size of the prepolarization coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky prepolarization coil structure that imposes spatial limitations. By using a compact DNP amplification unit with endogenous contrast agents, the system achieves high imaging sensitivity in a much smaller footprint, enabling portable and space-constrained applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for signal amplification several times to several hundred times greater than conventional methods, eliminating the need for a prepolarization magnetic field and reducing interference, while maintaining biological safety by separating the DNP substance from the measurement target.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) amplification unit to amplify the nuclear polarization of hydrogen atoms of water using a DNP-possible substance (DNP substance)
Implementation Method 2
a bias magnetic field coil to apply a bias magnetic field to the DNP substance and the water
Implementation Method 3
The SQUID sensor measures superconducting screening current induced on a pickup coil
Implementation Method 4
a filter unit disposed inside the bias magnetic field coil and including a gel-filtration matrix to provide the amplified nuclear polarization of the water to the measurement target
Implementation Method 5
a RF resonance circuit part including an RF resonance coil disposed around the gel-filtration matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance device and a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance method. The low-field nuclear magnetic resonance device includes a dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) amplification unit to amplify the nuclear polarization of hydrogen atoms of water using a DNP-possible substance (DNP substance) to provide the amplified nuclear polarization to a measurement target, a sensor unit to measure a magnetic resonance signal of the measurement target using a SQUID sensor or an optically-pumped atomic magnetometer, and a measurement field coil to apply a measurement field to the measurement target. The DNP amplification unit is separated from the measurement target, the sensor unit, and the measurement field coil.