A 3D-printed high power nuclear spin polarizer.

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Spin exchange optical pumping (SEOP) is crucial for hyperpolarizing noble gases like xenon-129.
• Traditional SEOP setups involve complex integration of multiple optical and electronic components.
• High-temperature 3D printing offers a novel approach to streamline SEOP probe construction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a 3D-printed SEOP probe for efficient xenon-129 hyperpolarization.
• To integrate key components for variable temperature operation and in situ monitoring.
• To achieve high xenon-129 polarization at high gas densities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-temperature 3D printing for constructing the SEOP probe and integrating components.
• Incorporated an 84 kHz in situ NMR circuit, a narrowed laser source, and near-IR spectroscopy.
• Employed thermoelectric temperature control and retroreflection optics for optimized performance.
• Demonstrated automated gas transfer for hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas imaging.

Main Results:

• Achieved near-unity (129)Xe polarization values in a 0.5 L optical pumping cell.
• Recorded ~74 ± 7% (129)Xe polarization at 1000 Torr xenon partial pressure, a record for high Xe density.
• Measured polarization build-up rate of (3.63 ± 0.15) × 10(-2) min(-1) and T1 relaxation time of 2.19 ± 0.06 h.
• Successfully demonstrated hyperpolarization-enhanced (129)Xe gas imaging.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing significantly simplifies SEOP probe construction, reducing cost and production time.
• The developed SEOP setup enables high-efficiency xenon-129 hyperpolarization at high densities.
• This technology supports a broad spectrum of applications in chemistry, biology, materials science, and medicine.