A unilateral magnet with an extended constant magnetic field gradient

Unilateral magnetic resonance (UMR) has become, in different research areas, a powerful tool to interrogate samples of arbitrary size. Numerous designs have been suggested in the literature to produce the desired magnetic field distributions, including designs which feature constant magnetic field gradients suitable for diffusion and profiling experiments. This work presents a new approach which features extended constant magnetic field gradients with a three magnet array. Constant gradients of more than 3 cm extent can be achieved in a very simple, compact and safe design. Diffusion measurements from different positions over the magnet are presented in addition to practical applications for reservoir core plug characterization. The idea of a solenoid as a probe for specific measurements in UMR is introduced. Simple profiling experiments are also presented. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.