Delivering strong ¹ H nuclear hyperpolarization levels and long magnetic lifetimes through signal amplification by reversible exchange

Significance The study of molecules and materials is of great significance to both science and human welfare. The noninvasive techniques of NMR and MRI reflect two of the most important methods to study them. However, both of these approaches are insensitive, and hyperpolarization methods to improve sensitivity are needed to access new applications. The hyperpolarization approach signal amplification by reversible exchange is used to produce a signal that is 100,000 times larger than that which would be seen on a routine clinical MRI scanner under Boltzmann equilibrium conditions. By revealing the broad scope of this approach we demonstrate its potential for the future diagnostic detection of metabolites, drugs, and many other small molecules.