Handheld Zero-Field NMR Detection for Taggant Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance techniques for authenticating and identifying objects require strong external static magnetic fields, which complicate device design, pose health hazards, and are challenging for sensitive information carriers.
Innovation Solution
A compact handheld nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus that operates without an external magnetic field, using a novel excitation/acquisition scheme to rapidly detect minute quantities of substances with predefined zero external field magnetic resonance signatures, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and enabling reliable identification in noisy environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strong external static magnetic fields are used for magnetic resonance detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and health hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external static magnetic field component from the detection system. Instead of requiring a strong external magnetic field for resonance excitation, the invention uses a handheld device that detects magnetic resonance signals generated by the sample itself when exposed to a weak alternating magnetic field, thereby removing the complex and hazardous external magnet system while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic system of strong external magnets with a different approach: using a handheld device with a weak alternating magnetic field generator and signal detector. This substitution eliminates the need for large electro- or superconducting magnets, reducing device complexity and health hazards while preserving the ability to detect magnetic resonance signatures
2Measurement precision
If strong external static magnetic fields are used for magnetic resonance detection, then measurement precision is improved, but health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful external static magnetic field from the detection system. The invention uses a handheld device that generates only a weak alternating magnetic field for excitation and detects resonance signals without requiring strong external magnetic fields, thereby eliminating health hazards associated with strong magnetic fields while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters from strong static fields to weak alternating fields. By using a handheld device that generates only a weak alternating magnetic field (comparable to Earth's magnetic field strength) rather than strong static fields, the invention maintains the ability to detect magnetic resonance while eliminating health hazards associated with strong magnetic field exposure
3Measurement precision
If strong external static magnetic fields are used for magnetic resonance detection, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to information carriers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the strong external magnetic field that interferes with sensitive information carriers. The handheld device uses only a weak alternating magnetic field for excitation, thereby removing the source of interference with magnetic media and other sensitive information carriers while maintaining the ability to detect magnetic resonance signatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters from strong static fields to weak alternating fields. This parameter change ensures that the detection process does not interfere with or wipe out data on magnetic media, as the weak alternating field used in the handheld device cannot cause harmful effects to sensitive information carriers
4Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic resonance techniques are used, then detection capability is achieved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through alternating magnetic field excitation at specific frequencies. The handheld device applies alternating magnetic fields at frequencies that match the resonance frequencies of the target substances, enabling rapid detection through periodic excitation and signal acquisition, thereby reducing detection time compared to conventional techniques
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
The apparatus allows for fast and reliable detection of minute quantities of substances with predefined zero external field magnetic resonance signatures, overcoming the limitations of traditional techniques by eliminating the need for external magnetic fields and improving signal acquisition efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to the detection and recognition of minute quantities of substances having predefined zero external field magnetic resonance signatures
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic resonance phenomena are exhibited when magnetic dipole moments precessing in a magnetic field absorb and re-radiate microwave or radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Detection and recognition of taggant substances having predefined zero external field magnetic resonance signatures. An object comprising taggant substance(s) is irradiated with a sequence of specific excitation pulses of electromagnetic radiation within a predetermined time and frequency scanning pattern, responsive nuclear spin echo signals are received from the object with a predetermined time and frequency acquisition pattern and data indicative thereof is generated. The scanning and acquisition patterns used permit successive transmission of pulses of multiple frequencies using a two-pulse spin-echo excitation technique, or a steady state-spin echo excitation technique, and successive acquisition of multiple nuclear spin echo response signals, within a time slot between two successive excitation pulses of a specific excitation frequency. The generated data is correlated with reference data corresponding to predetermined taggant substance(s) and one or more taggant substances are identified based on the determined correlation.