초록 ▼

A method and an apparatus for producing hyperpolarized samples for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are provided. The apparatus comprises an ultra-compact cryogen-free cryostat structure for use in polarizing a sample of selected material, wherein the cryostat structure comprises a central bo

A method and an apparatus for producing hyperpolarized samples for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are provided. The apparatus comprises an ultra-compact cryogen-free cryostat structure for use in polarizing a sample of selected material, wherein the cryostat structure comprises a central bore being adapted to be evacuated to create a vacuum region, and a cooling device inserted in the central bore or optionally close to the central bore for maintaining a selected temperature of the sample.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for producing hyperpolarized samples for use in one of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the apparatus comprising: a cryogen-free cryostat structure for use in polarizing a sample of selected material, wherein

The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for producing hyperpolarized samples for use in one of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the apparatus comprising: a cryogen-free cryostat structure for use in polarizing a sample of selected material, wherein the cryostat structure comprises: a central bore being adapted to be evacuated to create a vacuum region; a cooling device inserted in the central bore for maintaining a selected temperature of the sample; a first cooling stage and a second cooling stage for providing staged cooling of the sample; and wherein the first cooling stage comprises a cooler of the NMR system. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 where in the second cooling stage comprises: a cooling plate; and, a cooling link to a magnet cooling system of the MRI system, wherein the cooling plate and cooling link provide additional cooling to bring the selected material to a desired temperature. 3. A method for producing hyperpolarized samples for use in one of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, the method comprising: providing a cryostat structure for use in polarizing a solid sample of selected material, wherein the cryostat structure comprises: a bore for containing the polarizing subsystem, the bore being configured to create a vacuum region; and, a cooling device inserted in the bore or next to the bore for maintaining a selected temperature in the sample. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the cooling device is selected from a group comprising a dual-stage cold head device, a cold finger, devices constructed of regenerator materials and combinations thereof. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the regenerator materials are constructed of materials selected to enable cooling to below 1.2K. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the regenerator materials are selected from the group comprising magnetic regenerator materials, ceramic oxide regenerator materials, ceramic type high-cp materials, and combinations thereof. 7. The method of claim 3 wherein the cooling device is constructed of Gd1.5Al0.5O3. 8. The method of claim 3 wherein the cryostat structure further comprises: a magnetic field producing device surrounding the bore, the magnetic field producing device being configured to maintain a selected magnetic field in the polarizing system. 9. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of: evacuating and sealing the bore in order to create the vacuum region. 10. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of: analyzing the hyperpolarized samples using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis device. 11. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of administering the hyperpolarized samples to a subject for in vivo MR imaging applications. 12. The method of claim 3 wherein the cryostat structure further comprises a first cooling stage and a second cooling stage for providing staged cooling of the sample. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first cooling stage comprises a cooler of the NMR system for cooling a thermal shield surrounding a superconducting magnet of the NMR system and for pre-cooling the cooling device. 14. The method of claim 13 where in the second cooling stage comprises a cooler of the NMR system for cooling the superconducting magnet.