Theory and Analytical Applications of Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION It has been more than 22 years from the time of the discovery of pure nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy.1B Since that time the technique has found increased use by scientists in both physics and chemistry for studies dealing with materials in the solid state. Up to a few years ago it was primarily a physicist's tool.1A Various studies were performed to measure such things as the effect of pressure and temperature on the nuclear quadrupole resonance signal. However, in the last several years it has become more of a chemist's tool2A and has been used in those analytical applications where it can be used uniquely. It is these kinds of applications that will be covered in this review but before proceeding with that some of the theory will be covered in an elementary way. Then some of the different kinds of instrumentation that can be employed in the examination of materials that give nuclear quadrupole resonance signals will be discussed.