Applications of laser-polarized129Xe under continuous flow

Laser-polarized noble gases such as 3He or 129Xe exhibit a nuclear spin polarization exceeding the equilibrium nuclear spin polarization by orders of magnitude, resulting in a corresponding sensitivity gain in NMR experiments. Recent developments in the application of laser-polarized 129Xe are reviewed, especially with respect to materials research. The improvement of spin exchange optical pumping allows the production of laser-polarized 129Xe under continuous flow. Applications of this new technique for the enhancement of magnetic resonance imaging and NMR spectroscopy are discussed. Spin polarization transfer from laser-polarized 129Xe to other nuclei is described.