Double helix dipole design applied to magnetic resonance: a novel NMR coil

Abstract

A new radio frequency coil design for NMR experiments is presented. The coil generates a magnetic field purely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main magnet, and its sensitivity is higher than the traditional transversal resonators. This is achieved by adding the contribution of two tilted solenoid coils fed with opposite currents. The work presents the mathematical model for the new coil, numerical simulations performed to validate that model and a comparison with an equivalent saddle coil. The new design is tested experimentally in low- and high-field NMR experiments and compared with results obtained with equivalent saddle coils. The results lead to conclude that the new design provides better sensitivity than the transverse resonators commonly used in NMR.

Keywords: Double helix dipole; NMR detection; NMR sensitivity; Tilted coil.