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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:08
Acquiring Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Images of Lung Ventilation
Published on: November 21, 2023
Large production system for hyperpolarized 129Xe for human lung imaging studies.
F William Hersman1, Iulian C Ruset, Stephen Ketel
1Department of Physics, University of New Hampshire, 131 Main Street, Nesmith Hall, Durham, NH 03824, USA. herman@unh.edu
Academic Radiology
|May 20, 2008
Summary
A new system significantly enhances hyperpolarized xenon-129 production for lung MRI. This breakthrough enables multiliter quantities of xenon-129 gas for frequent human imaging studies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Quantum Optics
- Gas Physics
Background:
- Hyperpolarized gases like xenon-129 (129Xe) and helium-3 (3He) show promise for functional lung MRI.
- Previous limitations in hyperpolarized gas production hindered widespread human lung imaging studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel technology for producing hyperpolarized 129Xe with significantly improved production rates.
- To enable multiliter quantities of hyperpolarized 129Xe for advanced human lung imaging.
Main Methods:
- A continuous-flow system utilizing rubidium spin-exchange optical pumping to produce highly polarized 129Xe.
- Operation in a low-pressure, high-velocity regime to enhance spin-exchange rates.
- Implementation of a novel xenon trapping design for polarization recovery after freeze-thaw cycles.
Main Results:
- Achieved 64% polarization at a 0.3 L/hour 129Xe production rate.
- Demonstrated that increased xenon flow reduces output polarization.
- Successfully delivered hyperpolarized 129Xe to an offsite MRI facility in both gaseous and frozen states.
Conclusions:
- A new concept for large-scale production of highly polarized xenon has been successfully demonstrated.
- The developed system is operational within an MRI facility, producing liters of hyperpolarized gas for human lung imaging.
