Detection of multiple-quantum coherences with projective nuclear magnetic resonance measurement

It is shown that in nuclear magnetic resonance, multiple-quantum (MQ) coherences can be detected "instantly" by exploiting the principle of quantum-mechanical projective measurement. Therefore, the mixing period, which involves collective multispin dynamics and converts MQ coherences into observable single-quantum coherence (magnetization), is not necessary. The experimental examples are given for two finite clusters: benzene in liquid crystal and liquid crystal 4'-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl, and for solid adamantane with an infinite network of dipolar couplings.