Date
4-2019
Project Type
URC Presentation
Department
Physics
College or School
CEPS
Class Year
Junior
Major
B.S. in Physics
Faculty Research Advisor
Elena Long
Abstract
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a phenomenon within nuclear and particle physics that is used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), quantum computing, chemistry, and nuclear and particle physics research. Typically, NMR systems cost thousands of dollars since it is typically done with high power magnets and/or extremely low temperatures, however, my research attempts to determine if an NMR signal at room temperature with a system that costs around $810 is possible. Data was recently obtained using a low-cost vector network analyzer (VNA) for multiple materials at 4 K, some of which includes a field around 1 T. From this, we can extract a conclusion as to whether our system has enough resolution to see this signal at room temperature. If this can be done, then schools with limited funding can host laboratory experiments with their students about a topic that is widely used throughout the field of science. An added component to my research is to try to cross compare NMR signals from a VNA to those from a Q-meter, which is the ‘gold standard’ tool for continuous wave NMR by the polarized target physics community, in order to determine if a VNA can be used for polarization enhancement measurements, where the NMR signal is dynamically increased by orders of magnitude.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Ryan, "Nuclear Magnetic Resonance with a Low-Cost Vector Network Analyzer" (2019). Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) Student Presentations. 454.
https://scholars.unh.edu/urc/454