Increased flow rate of hyperpolarized aqueous solution for dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging achieved by an open Fabry–Pérot type microwave resonator

Abstract

A continuous flow dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) employing the Overhauser effect at ambient temperatures can be used among other methods to increase sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hyperpolarized state of water protons can be achieved by flowing aqueous liquid through a microwave resonator placed directly in the bore of a 1.5 T MRI magnet. Here we describe a new open Fabry–Pérot resonator as DNP polarizer, which exhibits a larger microwave exposure volume for the flowing liquid in comparison with a cylindrical TE013 microwave cavity. The Fabry–Pérot resonator geometry was designed using quasi-optical theory and simulated by CST software. Performance of the new polarizer was tested by MRI DNP experiments on a TEMPOL aqueous solution using a blood-vessel phantom. The Fabry–Pérot resonator revealed a 2-fold larger DNP enhancement with a 4-fold increased flow rate compared to the cylindrical microwave resonator. This increased yield of hyperpolarized liquid allows MRI applications on larger target objects.