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Advanced Magnetic Resonance - DNP Instrumentation and Applications
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:35
Abstract
The course is for advanced students and covers selected topics from magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The following topics will be covered:•DNP NMR theory & instrumentation•DNP methods and application•Microwave sources - theory & technology
Objective
The course aims at enabling students to understand the key theoretical points of DNP and how it can be applied. Students will be familiarized with state-of-the-art DNP instrumentation and the technological challenges regarding the development of advanced instrumentation for future DNP experiments, with emphasis on microwave technology.
Content
The first part will introduce dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and describe DNP mechanisms. There will be a special focus on DNP instrumentation, such as MAS and NMR probe technology, as well as the development of high field NMR magnets and DNP instrumentation. The second part will focus on the current state of DNP, methods being developed, and applications across different systems. Students will be introduced to electron spin manipulation and utility across a variety of DNP experiments, as well as the benefits and limitations of different DNP experimental setups and conditions, such as magnetic field, temperature, polarization transfer technique, microwave source, and radiofrequency circuit. The last part of the course is dedicated to the theory and technology of microwave sources. It begins with an introduction to the two main categories of microwave sources, solid-state devices and vacuum tubes which both are widely used in DNP and EPR spectroscopy. Subsequently, the focus will shift to vacuum tubes. The fundamental concepts required for a deep understanding of their operating principles will be presented in a step-by-step manner. These include the motion of electrons in static electric and magnetic fields, the generation of free electrons in vacuum devices, and the basics of electron optics, ultimately leading to an understanding of microwave generation. Building on this theoretical foundation, we will then examine the operating principles of slow-wave devices such as the klystron, traveling wave tube (TWT), and backward wave oscillator (BWO), as well as fast-wave devices including gyro-devices and the free-electron laser. Finally, we will discuss the structure and operation of a real DNP gyrotron in some detail.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A script which covers the topics will be accessible through the course Moodle
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Advanced Magnetic Resonance - DNP Instrumentation and Applications | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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