Gated Sample Polarization System for Cryogenic Hyperpolarization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elongated tubular extensions in cryogenic environments make it difficult to easily insert and remove magnetically polarized sample material for hyperpolarization and storage.
Innovation Solution
A sample polarization system with a gated input stage for cooling and a closed volume for holding sample molecule carriers in a high magnetic field, and a gated output stage for warming and expelling hyperpolarized samples, utilizing a dilution refrigerator and superconducting magnet to maintain the cryogenic environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an elongated tubular extension (insert) is used to extend the mixing chamber into the magnet bore, then the sample can be polarized in high magnetic field at ultralow temperature, but the magnetically polarized sample material cannot be easily removed from the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: a stationary polarizing cavity within the mixing chamber for polarization, and a removable sample transfer device for sample introduction and extraction. This segmentation allows the polarization function to remain stable while enabling easy sample removal through the transfer device
Solution Approach 2:
A sample transfer device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the external world and the polarizing cavity. This intermediary enables sample introduction and removal without requiring direct manipulation within the constrained tubular insert, solving the sample removal difficulty while maintaining polarization quality
2Measurement precision
If the sample is cooled from room temperature to ultralow temperature for polarization, then high magnetic field polarization can be achieved, but the sample must be reheated which may cause polarization loss
Solution Approach 1:
The sample is fully polarized at ultralow temperature before any heating occurs. The polarizing cavity maintains the sample in the polarized state, and only after polarization is complete is the sample transferred and heated for application use, ensuring maximum polarization is achieved before the vulnerable heating phase
Solution Approach 2:
The sample transfer and heating process is designed to be rapid, minimizing the time the sample spends in intermediate temperature states where polarization loss could occur. The gated output stage enables quick extraction and heating, rushing through the potentially harmful thermal transition phase
3Productivity
If a closed volume with gated input/output stages is used, then controlled sample flow and extended high magnetic field storage are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed volume with gated stages serves multiple functions: it acts as a polarization chamber, a storage vessel for maintaining high magnetic field conditions, and a controlled transfer system. This multi-functionality achieves improved productivity without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
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
Enables efficient insertion, polarization, and controlled removal of sample molecule carriers, maintaining high magnetic field conditions for extended periods and achieving hyperpolarization with minimal polarization loss, suitable for applications in NMR, MRI, and MRSI with enhanced sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
A sample polarization system comprises an input stage that includes a sample input port configured and arranged to receive and to provide a sample molecule carrier, and cool the sample molecule carrier from a first temperature to a second temperature as it travels along a length of the input stage
Implementation Method 2
A closed volume having an interior receives the sample molecule carrier from the input stage output and holds a plurality of sample molecule carriers in the high magnetic field created by a magnet to the closed volume
Implementation Method 3
An output stage that includes an output stage input receives the sample molecule carrier from the closed volume output port and warms the sample molecule carrier as it travels from the output stage input to an output stage output to provide a hyperpolarized sample molecule
Implementation Method 4
The cryogenic environment may be produced using the dilution refrigerator
Data Source
AI summary
A sample polarization system comprises an input stage that includes a sample input port configured and arranged to receive and to provide a sample molecule carrier, and cool the sample molecule carrier from a first temperature to a second temperature as it travels along a length of the input stage, and provides the sample molecule carrier at a input stage output. A closed volume having an interior receives the sample molecule carrier from the input stage output and holds a plurality of sample molecule carriers in the high magnetic field created by a magnet adjacent to the closed volume, and outputs the sample molecule carrier from a closed volume output port.