The field of modern chemistry utilizes a variety of tools and analytical methods for research, development, and application. One of the primary analytical methods is nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Since this method was first developed and demonstrated, there have been quite a few advancements within the field.
A Brief Historical Overview of NMR
In 1946, Felix Bloch and Edward Mills Purcell first demonstrated NMR. Six years later in 1952, they won the Nobel Prize for their collaborative work. Throughout the 1950s, commercial spectrometers were created and became available. Given this, they fast became a significant tool for chemists conducting research. It’s important to note that these first commercial spectrometers were based on conventional electromagnets and permanent magnets. During the 1960s, however, a large percentage of chemists opted for the superconducting magnet.
By 1966, Richard Ernst demonstrated Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance for the first time. Given the effectiveness of this procedure, it replaced the previously used scanning techniques in a short amount of time. Following this, advancements continued to be made within this field.
More recently in 2012, a new world record was set by the Los Alamos National Laboratory team. They created the strongest nondestructive magnetic field which consisted of 100.75 Tesla. This is significant because 100 Tesla is basically equivalent to two-million-times the magnetic field that surrounds the Earth. It’s also 100 times more powerful than any junkyard magnets, and approximately 30 times stronger than a medical MRI’s scanning field.
Different Types of NMR Spectrometers for Your Lab
The type of NMR spectrometer that your lab requires will vary and depend on several factors, such as your NMR spectrometer applications. Your lab may, for example, require or prefer using a tabletop NMR. In addition to a tabletop NMR, you may also require a portable NMR, along with NMR interpretation software. Once you consult with a representative, you will be able to learn more about the different types of available spectrometers. When your lab has the most effective equipment and software, you will be able to streamline your operations and focus on your project goals.
