Solid-state NMR imaging methods. Part I: Strong field gradients

NMR imaging has been shown to be a viable and useful approach to exploring spatial chemistry and molecular dynamics of a wide range of materials. NMR provides image contrast which is fundamentally different from that of other methods. The principles of NMR imaging and spatial information applicable to materials a re reviewed, and examples of current development are given. Of fundamental importance for spatial resolution In solid-slate imaging are the relationships between NMR linewidth. image resolution. signal-to-noise ratio and measuring times The principles of NMR with spatial resolution by frequently and phase Encoding are introduced The NMR line-broadening effec t characteristic for dipolar and quadrupolar solids or quasisolids can be s urpassed by strong held gradients or line-narrowing methods Correspondingly . one class or NMR imaging methods uses stray fields strong oscillatory gra dients, or multiple-quantum coherences evolution. it is discussed in Pail I In Part II the basic principles of the second class using line-narrowing m ethods by magic-echoes, magic-angle sample spinning. multiple-pulse excitat ion. and magic-angle rotating frame techniques are presented. The possibili ty of recording spatially resolved spectroscopic parameters by these method s is also addressed (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons Inc.