title: A hyperpolarized equilibrium for magnetic resonance.
abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging (MRI) play an indispensable role in science and healthcare but use only a tiny fraction of their potential. No more than ≈10 p.p.m. of all ¹H nuclei are effectively detected in a 3-Tesla clinical MRI system. Thus, a vast array of new applications lays dormant, awaiting improved sensitivity. Here we demonstrate the continuous polarization of small molecules in solution to a level that cannot be achieved in a viable magnet. The magnetization does not decay and is effectively reinitialized within seconds after being measured. This effect depends on the long-lived, entangled spin-order of parahydrogen and an exchange reaction in a low magnetic field of 10⁻³ Tesla. We demonstrate the potential of this method by fast MRI and envision the catalysis of new applications such as cancer screening or indeed low-field MRI for routine use and remote application.
authors: 1] German Consortium for Cancer Research (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany [2] Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 60a, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany [3] German Cancer Research (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors: Jan-Bernd
authors: JB
authors: Hövener
authors: Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 60a, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Niels
authors: N
authors: Schwaderlapp
authors: Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 60a, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Lickert
authors: Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors: Simon B
authors: SB
authors: Duckett
authors: Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors: Ryan E
authors: RE
authors: Mewis
authors: Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors: Louise A R
authors: LA
authors: Highton
authors: Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors: Stephen M
authors: SM
authors: Kenny
authors: Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
authors: Gary G R
authors: GG
authors: Green
authors: Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 60a, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Dieter
authors: D
authors: Leibfritz
authors: 1] Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, Universität Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, 79110, Freiburg, Germany [2] Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies-FRIAS, Universität Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Jan G
authors: JG
authors: Korvink
authors: Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 60a, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Jürgen
authors: J
authors: Hennig
authors: Medical Physics, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 60a, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Dominik
authors: D
authors: von Elverfeldt
mesh_terms: D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002384:Catalysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D000431:Ethanol / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008280:Magnetics; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D011725:Pyridines / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D011725:Pyridines; D014867:Water; D000431:Ethanol; D006859:Hydrogen; D000432:Methanol