ABSTRACT
Quantum mechanics can answer the critical question in general signal processing: does any improvement beyond the Fourier resolution contradict the Heisenberg uncertainty principle ΔωΔt ≥ h? The correct answer requires a sharp distinction between the informational content and the resolving power. This chapter addresses the key question: why should quantum mechanics be used in processing time signals from NMR and MRS? It definitely should, because such time signals c(t) stem from purely quantum-mechanical phenomena. The function c(t) itself is the overall result of the induced transitions between two quantum-mechanically allowed states of a sample, perturbed by static, as well as varying magnetic fields and radio-waves tuned to a resonant frequency of the investigated spin-active nuclei with non-zero values of the magnetic moment.
