Magnetic resonance force microscopy of nuclear spins: Detection and manipulation of statistical polarization

H. J. Mamin, R. Budakian, B. W. Chui, and D. Rugar
Phys. Rev. B 72, 024413 – Published 5 July 2005

Abstract

We have detected and manipulated the naturally occurring N statistical polarization in nuclear spin ensembles using magnetic resonance force microscopy. Using protocols previously developed for detecting single electron spins, we have measured signals from ensembles of nuclear spins in a volume of roughly (150nm)3 with a sensitivity of roughly 2000 net spins in a 2.5h averaging window. Three systems have been studied, F19 nuclei in CaF2, and H1 nuclei (protons) in both polymethylmethacrylate and collagen, a naturally occurring protein. By detecting the statistical polarization, we not only can work with relatively small ensembles, but we eliminate any need to wait a longitudinal relaxation time T1 to polarize the spins. We have also made use of the fact that the statistical polarization, which can be considered a form of spin noise, has a finite correlation time. A method similar to one previously proposed by Carlson et al. [Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 44, 541 (1999)] has been used to suppress the effect of the statistical uncertainty and extract meaningful information from time-averaged measurements. By implementing this method, we have successfully made nutation and transverse spin relaxation time measurements in CaF2 at low temperatures.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
1 More
  • Received 7 January 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.024413

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

H. J. Mamin, R. Budakian, B. W. Chui, and D. Rugar

  • IBM Research Division, Almaden Research Center, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, California 95120, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 72, Iss. 2 — 1 July 2005

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×