Single-sided mobile NMR apparatus using the transverse flux of a single permanent magnet

This study presents a simple design for a mobile, single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus which uses the magnetic flux parallel to the magnetization direction of a single, disc-shaped permanent magnet polarized in radial direction. The stray magnetic field above the magnet is approximately parallel to the magnetization direction of the magnet and is utilized as the B0 magnetic field of the apparatus. The apparatus weighs 1.8 kg, has a compact structure and can be held in one's palm. The apparatus generates a B0 field strength of about 0.279 T at the center of apparatus surface and can acquire a clear Hahn echo signal of a pencil eraser block lying on the RF coil in one shot. Moreover, a strong static magnetic field gradient exists in the direction perpendicular to the apparatus surface. The strength of the static magnetic field gradient near the center of the apparatus surface is about 10.2 T/m; one-dimensional imaging of thin objects and liquid self-diffusion coefficient measurements can be performed therein. The available spatial resolution of the one-dimensional imaging experiments using a 5×5 mm horizontal sample area is about 200 μm. Several nondestructive inspection applications of the apparatus, including distinguishing between polyethylene grains of different densities, characterizing epoxy putties of distinct set times and evaluating the fat content percentages of milk powders, are also demonstrated. Compared with many previously published designs, the proposed design bears a simple structure and generates a B0 magnetic field parallel to the apparatus surface, simplifying apparatus construction and simultaneously rendering the selection of the radiofrequency coil relatively flexible. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.