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Nuclear and Biological Materials are often very complex chemical and physical systems. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging offer unique possibilities for their study.

Rotating Field NMR and MRI

    Magic Angle Rotating Field Heterogeneous samples are usually studied using solid-state NMR methods and while the sample is spinning at the magic angle. This is problematic for many cases, where the sample cannot be spun, as in MRI. The alternative methodology of spinning the magnetic field around a static sample has been proposed since the 60's, but not yet successfully applied. Our goal is to develop the methodology and the instrumentation in order to perform magic angle field spinning and answer questions related to the monitoring of metabolism in living matter, as well as the structure and function of complex systems like batteries, porous media and fuel cells.

    We have recently introduced the first homogeneous pure-permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field tilted with respect to its axis. Upon mechanical rotation the field can perform a conical trajectory at the magic angle. We are currently on the way to demonstrate the first experimental results of this ground breaking instrumentation.
    This unique project is named R-EvolutioN-M-R for Rotating EvolutioN Magnetic Resonance, and has been generously funded by the European Reseach Council Starting Grant #205119.

    For more details about R-EvolutioN-M-R click here !

Variable Field NMR and MRI

    shuttling relaxometry Many magnetic properties are field dependent. For example T1 relaxation times can depend on the magnetic field and give valuable information when probed at various fields. Using rapid sample shuttling we are able to record such field dependent parameters with high-sensitivity and resolution.

    For more details about the variable field projects click here !

High Field Solid State NMR and MRI

    NMR microcoil MACS insert Amorphous, paramagnetic, porous solids and biomaterials represent one main interest in research. The goal is to develop the methodology and the instrumentation in order to solve questions related to structure and dynamics in complex systems, by manipulating the nuclear magnetism.

    We have recently introduced rotating microdetectors (micro-coils) in solid-state NMR which offer the possibility to lower the detection levels, without sacrificing resolution. We believe that they open new avenues in methodology by the use of very high radio-frequency amplitudes and offer new possibilities for the detection of limited-volume samples. Read Nature's Editor Summary here for more information about this project.

    For more details about the high field projects click here !

Low Field Portable NMR and MRI

    Portable, high-sensitivity low-field detectors are the second axis of our research. Analysis away from the laboratory becomes important, in particular in hostile environments, such as high-radiation areas. It can be also cost effective compared to standard superconducting imaging systems. Imaging and on-line inspection of such industrial processes is a challenging question we try to solve.


    For more details about the Low field projects click here !