A new technique for solid NMR imaging and application to phosphorus imaging in solid bone

Abstract

A new imaging technique for solids with lines broadened by inhomogeneous dipolar interactions is described. A model of loosely coupled spin-1/2 pairs is used to explain how the technique works. Using this technique, the radiofrequency pulse sequence induces a solid echo which effectively prolongs the lifetime of a transverse signal because of the independence of the echo amplitude from the dipolar interactions. In addition the refocused gradients turned on throughout the echo formation are capable of encoding spatial information. The imaging technique is illustrated with one-dimensional images of calcium phosphate mineral distribution in solid bone samples.