The Physics of Polarized Targets

Magnetic resonance is a field that has expanded to a range of disciplines and applications, both in basic research and in its applications, and polarized targets have played an important role in this growth. This volume covers the range of disciplines required for understanding polarized targets, focusing in particular on the theoretical and technical developments made in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), NMR polarization measurement, high-power refrigeration, and magnet technology. Beyond particle and nuclear physics experiments, dynamically polarized nuclei have been used for experiments involving structural studies of biomolecules by neutron scattering and by NMR spectroscopy. Emerging applications in MRI are also benefiting from the sensitivity and contrast enhancements made possible by DNP or other hyperpolarization techniques. Topics are introduced theoretically using language and terminology suitable for scientists and advanced students from a range of disciplines, making this an accessible resource to this interdisciplinary field.

Foreword; 1. Introduction to spin, magnetic resonance and polarization; 2. Resonance and relaxation of interacting spin systems; 3. Electron paramagnetic resonance and relaxation; 4. Dynamic nuclear polarization; 5. Nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxation; 6. NMR polarization measurement; 7. Choice and preparation of polarized target materials; 8. Refrigeration; 9. Microwave and magnet techniques; 10. Other methods of nuclear spin polarization; 11. Design and optimization of experiments using polarized targets; Appendices; Index.

Tapio O. Niinikoski is the former leader of the Polarized Targets Group at Organisation Européenne pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN), Geneva, and is author or co-author of more than 200 scientific papers. He was a member and project leader of the European Muon Collaboration, Spin Muon Collaboration, CERN ìSR Collaboration and ATLAS Collaboration. He was spokesperson of the RD39 Collaboration and Leader of CERN Central Cryogenic Laboratory until 2009.