NMR q-space imaging of macroscopic pores using singlet spin states

Abstract

NMR q-space imaging is a powerful non-invasive technique used to determine structural characteristics of pores in applications ranging from medical to material science. To date, the application of q-space imaging has primarily been limited to microscopic pores in part because of limitations of the effective observation time due to relaxation. Here we report on the use of singlet spin states for NMR q-space imaging, which allow significantly greater observation times. This opens the way for studying larger pores in materials such as biological tissue, emulsions, and rocks.