Simple mobile single-sided NMR apparatus with a relatively homogeneous B0 distribution

This work presents a simple design for a mobile single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus with a relatively homogeneous static magnetic field (B₀) distribution. In the proposed design, the B₀ magnetic field of the apparatus is synthesized using only two permanent magnet blocks, i.e., a cube (main) magnet and a small shim magnet placed above the main magnet. The magnetic flux of the shim magnet partially cancels out that of the main magnet, subsequently creating a smooth B₀ profile above the shim magnet where low-resolution NMR experiments are performed. Compared with many previously published designs, this straightforward design simplifies the construction of the apparatus and simultaneously generates a B₀ field parallel to the apparatus surface, allowing the use of a simple loop-type radiofrequency (RF) coil. Additionally, an apparatus prototype is constructed according to the proposed design. Weighing only 1.8 kg, the constructed apparatus has a compact structure and can be held in the palm of a hand. The apparatus generates a B₀ strength of about 0.0746 T. Within a B₀ field deviation of 3 mT, the region with a relatively homogeneous B₀ distribution extends to about 11 mm above the shim magnet. The proposed apparatus can detect a clear Hahn echo or Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) echoes of a pencil eraser block or a bottle of oil placed on the apparatus in 5 s with signal averaging using an RF transmitter power of only 19 W; the detection range of the apparatus exceeds 6 mm. The strength of the residual static magnetic field gradient of the apparatus is roughly estimated at 0.58 T/m. Applying different CPMG echo spacings in this residual static gradient leads to various transverse relaxation time (T₂) contrasts for liquids with distinct viscosities such as water and oil. Two nondestructive inspection applications of the apparatus, including correlating the concentrations of magnetic nanoparticle solutions with their measured transverse relaxation rates (R₂) and monitoring the outgassing from an opened bottle of oxygen-supersaturated water by measuring its longitudinal relaxation rate (R₁), are also demonstrated.