NMR Surface Sensors

These types of sensors have been developed for the investigation of large objects that cannot be accomodated in NMR magnet systems. The sample volume is not limited using this type of sensor and the procedure of sample preparation is very simple and doesn’t require placement of the part of sample into tube like in conventional NMR devices. The sensor is placed on the sample surface, or in close proximity. It is an absolutely non-destructive analysis process. For samples with different geometry or presentation requirements RF-coil and magnets can be constructed that meet any requirements.

Basic advantages of Surface NMR Sensors

• High Sensitivity
• High Penetration
• Low Cost
• Small Size and Mobility

The following is a list of our NMR Surface Sensors. All of these sensors have the same principle and construction. Distinctions can be found only in size, penetration, s/n ratio etc., thus, it determines suitable applications of them. It is possible to develop original, non-standard types of open-sided NMR sensors, depending on your application. Please contact John Edwards to discuss your requirements.

1) High-penetration Surface NMR Sensor
This type has extremely high (up to 10mm) penetration depth for open-side NMR probes without resonance circuit retuning. It was developed for the investigation of tires. It is possible to change the operating frequency of the Spin Track NMR analyzer in order to determine the proton density distribution from the surface and down into the sample. This provided a determination of the distribution of strengthening compound in the sample. Thus, this technique can provide rheology compatible experiments without disturbing or damaging the sample. See application note on rubber analysis and curing.

2)Standard-Type Compact NMR Sensor
This sensor was developed for applications similar to those performed by the High Penetration sensor. It also can obtain extremely high sensitivity and s/n ratio. However, in comparison with Sensor 1 it has a little less penetration, but high sensitivity allows a reduction in the number of scans by a factor of approximately 3. Moreover, it has relatively small dimensions.

3)Standard-Type Super Compact NMR Sensor
This probe is small (fits in your palm), suitable for great variety of tasks. It has good (>9) s/n ratio, thin sensitive area and penetration not more than 3-4 mm. Applicable for education process and demonstrations.

4) 5-Channel MRI Surface System
This system was planned for the automotive unit of a big rubber part company in Germany to provide Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) based 1-D experiments on reinforced air spring bellows for passenger automobiles. It was provided with 5 sensor cells, a gradient system, and a step motor driver for sample feeding. Full control from Spin Track universal real-time bus (URTB) was provided to determine distance from reinforcing element along the ring sample with a required precision of less than 0.1 mm.

Sensors Comparison Table

	1)High Penetration	2)Standard Compact	3)Standard Super-Compact	4)5-Channel
Frequency, MHz	17	20	18	20
Penetration depth, mm	10	7	4	4
S/N ratio, not less than	9	10.5	9	8
Size (LxWxH), mm	200x165x90	160x80x80	100x60x50	300x150x150
Mass, kg	7	1	0.2	5