Mutual benefit achieved by combining ultralow-field magnetic resonance and hyperpolarizing techniques

Ultralow-field (ULF) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are promising spectroscopy and imaging methods allowing for, e.g., the simultaneous detection of multiple nuclei or imaging in the vicinity of metals. To overcome the inherently low signal-to-noise ratio that usually hampers a wider application, we present an alternative approach to prepolarized ULF MRS employing hyperpolarization techniques like signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) or Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP). Both techniques allow continuous hyperpolarization of 1H as well as other MR-active nuclei. For the implementation, a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based ULF MRS/MRI detection scheme was constructed. Due to the very low intrinsic noise level, SQUIDs are superior to conventional Faraday detection coils at ULFs. Additionally, the broadband characteristics of SQUIDs enable them to simultaneously detect the MR signal of different nuclei such as 13C, 19F, or 1H. Since SQUIDs detect the MR signal directly, they are an ideal tool for a quantitative investigation of hyperpolarization techniques such as SABRE or ODNP.