System for detecting nuclear magnetic resonance signals from small samples
US5166615A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/956
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for detecting NMR signals from small samples using mechanical oscillators. In one embodiment, the sample is affixed to the mechanical oscillator, and immersed in a magnetic field. Magnetic resonance is detected by monitoring the mechanical excitation of the oscillator. The greatest excitation occurs when there is a three-fold resonance between the spin precession frequency of the sample, the natural frequency of the oscillator, and the oscillation frequency of the applied time dependent magnetic field. Samples as small as a single atomic nucleus can generate a detectable signal. In a second embodiment, the sample is affixed to a mechanically vibrating substrate, and a magnetic source is affixed to the mechanical oscillator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.