Multi-quantum echoes in GdAl2 zero-field high-resolution NMR

Abstract

In this paper we present a series of high-resolution zero-field NMR spectra of the polycrystalline intermetallic compound GdAl(2). The spectra were obtained with the sample at 4.2K in the ordered magnetic state and in the absence of an external static magnetic field. Using a sequence composed of two RF pulses, we obtained up to five multi-quantum echoes for the (27)Al nuclei, which were used to construct the zero-field NMR spectra. The spectra obtained from the FID observed after the second pulse and the even echoes exhibited higher resolution than the odd ones. In order to explain such behavior, we propose a model in which there are two regions inside the sample with different inhomogeneous spectral-line broadenings. Moreover, with the enhanced resolution from the FID signal, we were able to determine quadrupolar couplings with great precision directly from the respective spectra. These results were compared with those obtained from the quadrupolar oscillations of the echo signals, and showed good agreement. Similar data were also obtained from (155)Gd and (157)Gd nuclei.