NMR second moment imaging using Jeener-Broekaert dipolar signals

It is demonstrated that imaging of the 1H NMR second moment can be achieved by using the Jeener-Broekaert (JB) dipolar signal instead of the Zeeman FID signal commonly employed. The JB dipolar signal can be induced by applying a JB pulse sequence, 90 degrees (x)-tau-45 degrees (y)-tau(')-45 degrees (y), which is followed by the time-suspension magic echo sequence, TREV-16TS, for imaging detection. Scanning the imaging detection to cover the whole evolution of the JB dipolar signal finally results in producing spatially resolved JB dipolar signals. The local value of the quantity called the "JB second moment," M(2(JB)), is then estimated from the initial slope of each resolved JB dipolar signal. The M(2(JB)) can be regarded as the "weighted" powder average of the usual second moment. The "weighting" effect due to the JB sequence leads to the tau dependent M(2(JB)) value. The tau dependence is potentially useful for characterizing the second moment distribution resulting from the crystal orientation dependence: For example, in addition to the usual powder average, an approximate distribution range can be deduced by a simple analysis of the tau dependence, serving as a new contrast for materials imaging. This is illustrated by preliminary experiments performed on test samples.