Method and Apparatus for the Generation of Polarized Atoms, Molecules and Their Ions

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This invention describes a method and device for polarizing samples consisting of atoms, molecules, or their ions by exposing them to carefully controlled oscillating magnetic fields, which are generated by specific arrangements of coils. By optimizing the magnetic field parameters and configuration, the apparatus can efficiently and simply induce polarization in a wide range of particle types, including those with complex internal structures. This polarization can be achieved both for particles in a resting state and for those in a beam passing through the coils.

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• Production of polarized atoms, molecules, or ions for use as tracers in biological or chemical research.
• Enhanced imaging in magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) by providing hyperpolarized samples, increasing image quality and reducing the need for high-field superconducting magnets.
• Generation of polarized fuels for nuclear fusion experiments to improve energy yield.
• Development of advanced polarized ion sources for particle accelerators and nuclear physics research.
• Use in fundamental studies of quantum systems that require highly polarized atomic or molecular samples.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows for the polarization of a broad range of particles, including those with complex hyperfine structures, not accessible with optical pumping.
• Technically simple, more cost-effective, and scalable compared to traditional brute-force polarization techniques.
• Provides higher signal strength and resolution for MRI applications, enabling lower-cost equipment and improved diagnostics.
• Applicable to both static (resting) samples and moving (beam) samples, enhancing versatility.
• Can be adapted for various particle types and experimental setups in fundamental and applied science.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for polarizing a sample (3) made of atoms, molecules, or ions, having the steps of: providing coils (1, 2); ascertaining an oscillating magnetic field which is generated by the coils (1, 2) and which can polarize the sample (3); and generating the ascertained oscillating magnetic field and applying same to the sample (3) in order to polarize same. The invention additionally relates to a device for carrying out the method.