Proton hyperpolarisation preserved in long-lived states.

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nuclear Physics
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation (DNP) is a technique to enhance nuclear spin polarisation.
• Hyperpolarisation of protons is crucial for improving signal-to-noise ratios in various applications.
• Traditional methods often involve complex procedures or less abundant nuclei.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a more efficient method for proton hyperpolarisation.
• To create a long-lived proton spin state using DNP.
• To compare the proposed method with existing hyperpolarisation techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilisation of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP).
• Focus on enhancing polarisation of abundant protons.
• Conversion of enhanced polarisation into a long-lived state over three coupled protons.

Main Results:

• Achieved enhanced proton polarisation in less than 10 minutes.
• Successfully created a long-lived proton state delocalised over an ensemble of three coupled protons.
• Demonstrated a more straightforward process compared to heteronuclei hyperpolarisation followed by magnetisation transfer.

Conclusions:

• Dissolution DNP provides an efficient route for proton hyperpolarisation.
• The developed method offers a simpler and faster alternative for creating long-lived proton states.
• This technique has potential implications for enhancing MRI sensitivity and other applications requiring hyperpolarised nuclei.