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larger .pdf version of this figure
is available at the URL listed
below. |
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, led by Alex Pines, are
world leaders in magnetic identification
and imaging concepts and techniques
used worldwide in science and industry.
Both nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
spectroscopy and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) are based on the tiny
magnetic moments produced by the "spin"
of atomic nuclei; NMR provides spectra
for use in identifying molecules,
whereas MRI produces recognizable
images. The Pines group's research
has extended the applicability of
NMR to a wide range of problems and
materials, including biological systems.
They also applied their new methods
to study novel materials such as nanocrystals,
liquid crystals, and zeolites. Recently,
they helped develop a technique in
which hyperpolarized gas molecules
transfer added momentum to other atomic
nuclei, increasing the sensitivity
of NMR of molecules in solution and
MRIs of materials and organisms, a
major step toward extending the power
of these techniques in chemistry and
biology. The group also developed
methods that allow for the use of
very low magnetic fields in MRI and
may eliminate the need for large,
costly magnets in these instruments.
Scientific Impact:
These novel concepts and techniques
have revolutionized the study of structure,
dynamics, and function in solid materials
and other systems that previously
were inaccessible to NMR investigations.
Low-field MRI is ideal for studying
highly porous, magnetic materials
and fossils and rocks.
Social Impact: These
techniques and instruments have been
licensed and incorporated into commercial
NMR technology used worldwide. A company
has licensed the low-field MRI technology
to develop medical applications. In
addition, Pines has trained about
200 scientists, of whom many now hold
leading positions in academia and
industry.
Reference: Y.Q.
Song, B.M. Goodson, and A. Pines,
"NMR and MRI Using Laser-Polarized
Xenon," Spectroscopy, (14)
26-33 (July 1999).
URL:
http://www.lbl.gov/msd/PIs/Pines/99/99_1_Low_field.html
Technical Contact:
Don Freeburn, Office of Basic Energy
Sciences, 301-903-3156
Press Contact: Jeff
Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs,
202-586-5806
SC-Funding Office:
Office of Basic Energy Sciences |
