Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Time Measurement via Spin-Cavity Coupling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The measurement of spin lattice relaxation time (T1) in magnetic resonance techniques is hindered by spin-cavity coupling, leading to distorted spectra and inaccurate relaxation time readings due to changes in the coupling constant, especially when the spin concentration is high or the Q value of the resonance circuit is high.

Innovation Solution

Forming multiple spin-cavity coupling states by varying the sample amount or Q value of the resonance circuit, calculating spin-cavity coupling constants, and measuring apparent relaxation times to determine the true relaxation time by fitting a quadratic function to the relationship between these constants and relaxation times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic resonance measurement is performed on samples with high spin concentration or high Q-value resonance circuits, then the signal intensity and measurement sensitivity are improved, but the spin-cavity coupling causes distorted spectra and inaccurate relaxation time readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelaxation time measurement accuracyVSAvoidspin-cavity coupling distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the Q-value of the resonance circuit across multiple measurements. By measuring apparent relaxation times at different Q-values and extrapolating to the limit of zero spin-cavity coupling (Q-value approaching zero or infinity), the method eliminates the distorting effect of spin-cavity coupling and obtains the true relaxation time of the sample.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the Q value of the resonance circuit is increased to improve signal detection, then the measurement sensitivity is enhanced, but the spin-cavity coupling constant changes leading to measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection sensitivityVSAvoidrelaxation time measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by performing multiple measurements at different Q-values before the final determination of relaxation time. This preliminary series of measurements at varying coupling conditions allows for the construction of a relationship curve between apparent relaxation time and spin-cavity coupling constant, which is then used to extrapolate the true relaxation time independent of coupling effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurements are performed with varying Q values to eliminate spin-cavity coupling effects, then the true relaxation time can be accurately determined, but the measurement time and procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrue relaxation time determinationVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The method applies self-service by using the measurement system itself to generate the necessary variation in coupling conditions. By systematically adjusting the Q-value of the existing resonance circuit and performing measurements at each setting, the system self-generates the data needed to construct the extrapolation curve, eliminating the need for additional external equipment or complex intervention procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method allows for the accurate determination of relaxation times even under conditions with significant spin-cavity coupling, ensuring consistent apparent relaxation times and enabling the calculation of true relaxation times specific to the sample.

Implementation Method 1

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measuring apparatuses and electron spin resonance (ESR) measuring apparatuses are conventionally known as representative magnetic resonance measuring apparatuses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance:

Implementation Method 2

a strong interaction different from the magnetic resonance is manifested between the spin and the resonance circuit (i.e., the cavity or the NMR probe), which may be called 'spin-cavity coupling'

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpin-cavity coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS10288707B2Relaxation time measuring method and magnetic resonance measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.05.14 JEOL LTD
  • US10288707B2 patent drawing
  • US10288707B2 patent drawing
  • US10288707B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes forming N spin-cavity coupling states that are mutually different in coupling state between a cavity accommodating a sample therein and a spin of the sample, calculating N values of spin-cavity coupling constant, measuring N values of apparent relaxation time through magnetic resonance measurement applied on the sample, and calculating relaxation time corresponding to specific spin-cavity coupling constant based on the relationship between the N values of spin-cavity coupling constant and the N values of apparent relaxation time.