NMR Probe Thermal Control and RF Field Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NMR probes operate at room temperature and have non-uniform RF field lines, which can limit the efficiency of NMR spectrometers, and require temperature control below or above room temperature for certain techniques like cryoporometry.
Innovation Solution
An NMR probe with a thermal control apparatus using a thermoelectric cooling element and an RF flux line conditioner to maintain a stable temperature and align RF field lines uniformly within the sample region, allowing for temperature control and improved RF field distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional NMR probes operate at room temperature, then the device is simple to operate, but the sample temperature cannot be controlled for techniques like cryoporometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the sample tube inside a temperature-controlled environment formed by the cylindrical body, which is in turn surrounded by the RF coil. The thermal control apparatus is integrated within the probe structure, with cooling channels nested within the body walls, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables temperature control without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal control apparatus as an intermediary system between the sample and the external environment. This apparatus, including the cooling apparatus with thermal control fluid circuits, acts as a mediator to transfer heat between the sample environment and the external cooling system, enabling precise temperature control while isolating the sample from direct external thermal influences
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional RF coils generate RF field lines, then the NMR signal can be detected, but the RF field lines are not co-linear and uniform throughout the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing an RF flux line conditioner with specific local structural features (such as radially extending elements or segmented structures) positioned at strategic locations within the probe. These local modifications to the flux line distribution create regions of improved RF field uniformity and co-linearity throughout the sample volume, addressing the non-uniformity problem through localized structural interventions rather than redesigning the entire coil system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sample is maintained at stable temperature below room temperature, then cryoporometry techniques can be performed, but additional thermal control apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a thermal control apparatus that can operate in multiple modes - it can cool the sample below room temperature for cryoporometry, maintain room temperature for conventional NMR, and potentially heat above room temperature for other techniques. The same basic apparatus structure with reversible Peltier elements serves multiple temperature control functions, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment for different NMR 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 solution enables precise temperature control and uniform RF field alignment, enhancing the performance of NMR spectrometers by maintaining samples in an isothermal environment and improving the efficiency of the spectrometer.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric or Peltier cooling element which uses electrical energy to drive heat transfer from one side of the element to the other
Implementation Method 2
a thermal control apparatus comprising a thermal control fluid circuit having a thermal control fluid inlet and a thermal control fluid outlet to control the temperature of the sample region
Data Source
AI summary
An NMR probe including an RF coil, a sample region defined within the coil, and a thermal control apparatus comprising a thermal control fluid circuit having a thermal control fluid inlet and a thermal control fluid outlet to control the temperature of the sample region.