Sensitive multichannel zero-to ultralow-field NMR with atomic magnetometer arrays

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Conventional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy offers high specificity but suffers from low throughput due to sequential analysis and costly equipment.
• The need for high-homogeneity magnetic fields limits the speed and accessibility of traditional NMR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel multichannel NMR device leveraging the zero-to ultralow-field (ZULF) regime.
• To overcome the throughput limitations of conventional NMR by enabling simultaneous multi-sample analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a zero-to ultralow-field (ZULF) regime with an array of compact optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) for simultaneous detection.
• Employing a prepolarization magnetic field with large-bore, inhomogeneous magnets to accommodate multiple samples concurrently.
• Demonstrating sensitive, high-resolution ZULF NMR spectroscopy without the need for field shimming for extended periods.

Main Results:

• Achieved ZULF NMR spectroscopy sensitivity comparable to benchtop 13C NMR systems.
• Successfully detected ZULF NMR signals from organic molecules without isotopic enrichment.
• Demonstrated parallelized detection of three distinct samples simultaneously, with potential for over 100 channels.

Conclusions:

• The developed multichannel NMR device significantly enhances measurement throughput and reduces costs.
• This technology paves the way for applications in inline reaction monitoring, robotic chemistry, quality control, and high-throughput assays.
• The robust and scalable "NMR camera" system offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional NMR for various analytical needs.