Analysis of parahydrogen polarized spin system in low magnetic fields

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of spin systems polarized either thermally or by parahydrogen exhibit strikingly different field dependencies. Thermally polarized spin systems show the well-known roof effect, observed when reducing magnetic field strengths which precludes the independent determination of chemical shift differences and J-coupling constants at low-fields. Quantum mechanical analysis of the NMR spectra with respect to polarization method, pulsed state preparation, and transition probabilities reveals that spectra of parahydrogen polarized systems feature an "inverse roof effect" in the regime where the chemical shift difference δν is smaller than J. This inverse roof effect allows for the extraction of both J-coupling and chemical shift information down to very low fields. Based on a two-spin system, the observed non-linear magnetic field dependence of the splitting of spectral lines is predicted. We develop a general solution for the steady state density matrix of a parahydrogen polarized three-spin system including a heteronucleus which allows explaining experimentally observed (1)H spectra. The analysis of three-spin density matrix illustrates two pathways for an efficient polarization transfer from parahydrogen to (13)C nuclei. Examination of the experimental data facilitates the extraction of all relevant NMR parameters using single-scan, high-resolution (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy at low fields at a fraction of the cost associated with cryogenically cooled high-field NMR spectrometers.

Studies of ⁶Li-NMR properties in different salt solutions in low magnetic fields

In this article we report the longitudinal relaxation times (T(1)) of various (6)Li salts ((6)LiI, (6)LiCl and (6)LiNO(3)) in D(2)O and H(2)O, measured in low magnetic fields (B(0)=3.5mT). This investigation serves the purpose of clarifying the relaxation behavior of different (6)Li solutions and different concentrations. The measurement were undertaken to establish a framework for future applications of hyperpolarized (6)Li in medical imaging, biological studies and investigations of lithium ion batteries. Time will pass during the transport of hyperpolarized lithium ions to the sample, which leads to a polarization loss. In order to store polarization as long as possible, it is necessary to examine which (6)Li salt solution has the longest relaxation time T(1). Longitudinal relaxation times of (6)Li salts in D(2)O and H(2)O were investigated as a function of concentration and the most extended T(1) was found for (6)LiI in D(2)O and H(2)O. In agreement with the theory the relaxation time T(1) of all (6)Li salts increase with decreasing concentration. In the case of (6)LiI in H(2)O an inverse behavior was observed. We assume that the prolonged T(1) times occur due to formation of (6)LiOH upon the solution of (6)LiI in H(2)O, which settles as a precipitate. By diluting the solution, the precipitate continuously dissolves and approaches T(1) of (6)LiOH (T(1)∼28s), leading to a shorter T(1) relaxation time.