Probing the validity of average Hamiltonian theory for spin I=1, 3/2 and 5/2 nuclei by analyzing a simple two-pulse sequence

In this work, we investigate the accuracy of controlling spin I=1, 3/2 and 5/2 spin systems by average Hamiltonian theory. By way of example, we consider a simple two-pulse echo sequence and compare this perturbation scheme to a numerical solution of the Von Neumann equation. For the different values of I, we examine this precision as a function of the quadrupolar coupling as well as various experimental parameters such as the pulse spacing and pulse width. Experiments and simulations on I=3/2 and I=5/2 spin systems are presented that highlight a spectral artifact introduced due to finite pulse widths as predicted by average Hamiltonian theory. The control of these spin systems by this perturbation scheme is considered by investigating a phase cycling scheme that suppresses these artifacts to zeroth-order of the Magnus expansion.

On the application of magic echo cycles for quadrupolar echo spectroscopy of spin-1 nuclei

Magic echo cycles are introduced for performing quadrupolar echo spectroscopy of spin-1 nuclei. An analysis is performed via average Hamiltonian theory showing that the evolution under chemical shift or static field inhomogeneity can be refocused simultaneously with the quadrupolar interaction using these cycles. Due to the higher convergence in the Magnus expansion, with sufficient RF power, magic echo based quadrupolar echo spectroscopy outperforms the conventional two pulse quadrupolar echo in signal to noise. Experiments highlighting a signal to noise enhancement over the entire bandwidth of the quadrupolar pattern of a powdered sample of deuterated polyethelene are shown.

Finite pulse width artifact suppression in spin-1 quadrupolar echo spectra by phase cycling

A phase cycling scheme for suppressing spectral artifacts introduced in quadrupolar echo spectroscopy of spin-1 nuclei due to finite pulse width effects is presented. The phase cycling scheme is developed using the formalism of average Hamiltonian theory and fictitious spin-1 operators. A simulation and experiment on deuterated polyethelene is performed highlighting the spectral artifact introduced by finite pulse widths and successful removal with the proposed phase cycling scheme.