Application of time-variable feedback to the input amplifier of pulse magnetic resonance spectrometers: Experimental studies

Experimental research on the improvement of the sensitivity and time resolution of pulsed magnetic resonance spectrometers is discussed. It is shown that application of a time-variable feedback of a signal to the input of the receiver amplifier can decouple, the “fixed” relationship between the quality factorQ and the ringdown time of the resonance system. Experiments were performed with low-frequency, radio-frequency and microwave pulse-type magnetic resonance receivers. Modifications of an S/C-band electron spin echo modulation spectrometer carried out to check the “time-variable feedback” performance are described. It is demonstrated that the application of a time-variable feedback can significantly reduce the ringdown time and improve the recovery properties of the magnetic resonance receiver system. It is also demonstrated that the time-variable feedback can improve the overall receiver sensitivity due to the fact that the working bandwidth of the resonance system can be optimized separately for the transmitting and the receiving mode. Signal values could be increased at least three times and the signal-to-noise ratio about 1.5–2 times. The largest improvement is achieved with the initially overcoupled resonator. Experimental spectra of test samples for different settings of the time-variable feedback are shown.