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Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Hyperpolarized Xenon for NMR and MRI Applications
Published on: September 6, 2012
Note: Spin-exchange optical pumping in a van
C Chauvin1, L Liagre1, C Boutin2
1SB2SM, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France.
Abstract:
The advent of spin-hyperpolarization techniques designed to overcome the sensitivity issue of nuclear magnetic resonance owing to polarization transfer from more ordered systems has recently raised great enthusiasm. However, the out-of-equilibrium character of the polarization requires a close proximity between the area of production and the site of use. We present here a mobile spin-exchange optical pumping setup that enables production of laser-polarized noble gases in a standalone mode, in close proximity to hospitals or research laboratories. Only compressed air and mains power need to be supplied by the host laboratory.
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