Roadmap on nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging (NanoMRI) emerged 30 years ago with the goal of imaging single molecules and molecular assemblies at near-atomic resolution.
• The field has expanded to include high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of molecules under ambient conditions, targeting micron-scale samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a roadmap of the current state-of-the-art in NanoMRI technologies.
• To outline potential impacts and identify challenges in the field.
• To propose methods for overcoming these challenges and explore quantum science applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of highly sensitive spin detection techniques exceeding conventional NMR and MRI sensitivity.
• Exploration of diverse technical approaches tailored for nanoscale spin ensemble detection and control.
• Review and synthesis of existing NanoMRI methodologies and their capabilities.

Main Results:

• NanoMRI has evolved significantly, offering new possibilities for molecular imaging and spectroscopy.
• Various technical approaches exist, each with unique capabilities for basic and applied science.
• Significant advancements are needed in spin detection sensitivity to meet the field's ambitious goals.

Conclusions:

• NanoMRI is poised to revolutionize molecular imaging and spectroscopy, enabling unprecedented insights.
• Overcoming sensitivity challenges is key to unlocking NanoMRI's full potential.
• Developments in NanoMRI are expected to drive breakthroughs in quantum science and technology.