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stationary NMR
stationary NMR
The varied nature of plant and soil systems with regard to size, geometry, dynamical processes, chemical and physical variables and environmental factors in general, require a large and flexible toolbox for performing scientific research. NMR or MRI is just one of those tools that can be used, with the advantage of being non-invasive by nature. Still, there exists no single MRI spectrometer that can handle all plant&soil objects that one would realistically wish to investigate with MRI, especially with off-the-shelve systems. Therefore we have a suit of MRI systems, ranging from a 7T/89 mm magnet to a 4.7T/300mm magnet and a 1.5T/500 mm split coil magnet. Technical details of these machines you find here. Obviously, the 7T is best suited for small objects where one is interested in looking at finer details. On the other side of the range, the 1.5 T system can accommodate trees upto 5 meters in length including the pot that may have a size up to 1 m3.
The stationary MRI equipment will be primarily used for
- (Dynamic) Biomass determination
- Localized physiological measurements, like flow, water content or cell size (development)
- Water (re)-distribution processes in soils with or without plants and their interaction.
Not only do we require a set of spectrometers to answer these questions, but also the EcoNMR group develops their own r.f. coils on top of more standarized r.f. coils that are also available. Furthermore we develop positioning system such that individual objects can be repositioned to the exact same position every time it is inserted into the magnet, such that dynamical changes can be followed accurately with reference to the prior situation. On top of that, climatisation systems are under construction such that dynamical changes can also be followed in place.
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Environment
ecoNMR Admin
