Underpinning Equipment for Magnetic Resonance Research

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a technique which uses the fact that the nuclei of many atoms act as tiny radio-transmitters, emitting radio signals at precisely-defined frequencies, which can be detected by a carefully-tuned detector. In an NMR experiment, the nuclei are first magnetised by placing a sample in a strong magnetic field for some time. A sequence of radiofrequency pulses is then applied to the sample, which subsequently emits radiowaves which are detected in the radio receiver. The pattern of emitted waves provides information on the chemical composition and spatial distribution of the sample. One application of NMR is called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This is used in hospitals to construct images of the interior of the human body, and is enormously useful for the diagnosis of diseases and injuries. The magnetic resonance research centre of the University of Southampton is a world-leading facility for NMR and MRI research development. We are currently developing techniques which enhance NMR signals by factors of many thousands, which may lead to methods for the clinical detection and diagnosis of cancer by MRI, as well as numerous other applications in materials science, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and quantum physics. The user group is growing rapidly in size, as is the range of research activities and collaborations. Our core research portfolio is supported by grants mostly from EPSRC, the Royal Society, and the EU Commission, with a total value in excess of £8M. These include recent awards of a £1.8M EPSRC Platform Grant and a £2.9M award from the EU Commission under the extremely competitive Future and Emerging Technologies - Open (FETopen) scheme. This proposal seeks funding for upgrading NMR spectrometers that underpin cutting-edge research in magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging at the University of Southampton. Funds are requested for (i) the replacement of an ageing and obsolete 400MHz NMR console by a modern system; (ii) replacement of a second ageing 400MHz NMR console by a modern 700MHz system; (iii) provision of a workhorse 400MHz NMR console to enhance the productivity and capabilities of our homebuilt equipment which is capable of enhancing NMR signals by large factors. We will reuse our existing NMR magnets so as to keep costs down. These upgrades and replacements will being our research facility up to the international standard and significantly enhance our capability to perform, expand, and apply our cutting-edge research capabilities, in a highly cost-effective manner.