Nuclear quadrupole resonance method and apparatus
US6777937B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/441
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An NQR apparatus for irradiating a sample with an RF magnetic field and for determining the presence of a target material by detecting an NQR signal includes a transmitter for generating an output signal at a selected frequency, a receiver for detecting the NQR signal, a probe, and a switch coupling the receiver and the transmitter with the probe for alternately connecting and disconnecting the receiver and the transmitter to the probe, thereby switching the NQR apparatus between a transmitting mode and a receiving mode. The probe consists of a resonant circuit that includes a coil array. The coil array includes a first figure-8 coil and a partially overlapping, second figure-8 coil for generating an RF magnetic field in a detecting region outside the probe. The first and second coils together alternate between a transmitting mode for irradiating a sample in the detecting region with an RF magnetic field, and a receiving mode for detecting an NQR signal indicative of the presence of a target material in the sample. The coil array produces a highly uniform rotating RF magnetic field, increasing its detection sensitivity and enhancing its ability to separate magnetic resonance signal…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.