A low-field ceramic magnet design for magnetic resonance

Abstract

We describe the design of a low-field portable magnet, based on two ceramic magnets, separated by a distance, with their magnetic poles aligned to create a large homogeneous region with a field strength of 425 gauss. Ceramic magnets are an uncommon choice compared to Neodymium Iron Boron magnets for low-field magnetic resonance but are preferable for our purposes to create a homogeneous region at lower field strength. The low cost of large ceramic magnets results in an inexpensive design with a large measurement volume. The magnets rest in a 3D-printed structure, which allows for the magnets to be moved by hand so the experimentalist has control over the field topology. To test the utility of the design, we explored an Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization experiment with an aqueous solution of 4-Hydroxy-TEMPO. We also explored a simple flow measurement employing the ceramic magnets at a 6-degree pitch, creating a 14.6 gauss/cm constant gradient.