ABSTRACT
In contrast to conventional NMR spectroscopy, which uses highly homogeneous magnetic fields, the method used here relies on inhomogeneous magnetic fields applied from a single side. The advantage of single-sided NMR is the virtually unlimited sample size as well as the potential to construct mobile devices that can eventually be used on construction sites. A compact unilateral sensor developed for non-destructive testing of materials containing hydrogen atoms, the so-called NMR MOUSE (PM 5) was used for the described work. The PM 5 has a measuring field of 20 by 20 mm in the cross-section and the thickness can be chosen between 10 and 100 μm (sensitive volume). The NMR signal is collected in the described sensitive volume which can be moved up to 5 mm deep into the specimen by using a stepper-motor driven, high-precision automatic lift which changes the distance between the sensor and the sample.
