Illustrating the quantum approach with an Earth magnetic field MRI

Abstract

Teaching imaging of magnetic resonance (MR) today is still as challenging as it has always been, because it requires admitting that we cannot express fundamental questions of quantum mechanics with straightforward language or without using extensive theory. Here we allow students to face a real MR setup based on the Earthʼs magnetic field. We address the applied side of teaching MR using a device that is affordable and that proves to be sufficiently robust, at universities in Orsay, France, and San Sebastian, Spain, in experimental practicals at undergraduate and graduate levels. We specifically present some of the advantages of low field for measuring R2 relaxation rates, reaching a power of separation of 1.5 μmol on Mn(II) ions between two water bottles each of half a liter. Finally we propose key approaches for the lecturers to adopt when they are asked to pass from theoretical knowledge to teachable knowhow. The outcomes are fast calibration and the MR acquisition protocols, demonstrating the reproducibility of energy transfer during the saturation pulses, and the quantitative nature of MR, with water protons and a helium-3 sample.

A 5E-based learning experience to introduce concepts relevant in Quantum Physics

“…The preparation to the learning path was done through a traditional lecturing approach by using university general physics textbooks covering the introduction Giancoli -2008) and all the didactical aspects of the experiments (i) with the LED and (ii) the photoelectric effect [16][17][18]20]. The progression was found from the original research published on the illustration of quantum mechanics concepts [21] Other research-based methods to inquire on wave particle duality [22] have been considered as well.…”

Implementation of Earth’s Field NMR Spectroscopy in an Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory

“…Often in lectures and workshops, focus is placed on the interpretation of spectra and there is little connection to the actual pulse sequences that are applied to obtain the data. Despite its potential, EFNMR spectroscopy as a teaching tool has been adopted predominantly by physics departments, 13 The Supporting Information includes the following: a student lab script containing an introduction to NMR and EFNMR spectroscopy, suggested pre-and post-lab questions, and the experimental procedure; also included are notes for the demonstrators that cover apparatus set up, troubleshooting, model data, and answers to the pre-and post-lab questions.…”

“…Often in lectures and workshops, focus is placed on the interpretation of spectra, and there is little connection to the actual pulse sequences that are applied to obtain the data. Despite its potential, EFNMR spectroscopy as a teaching tool has been adopted predominantly by physics departments, , with only a single report on EFNMR spectroscopy in an undergraduate chemistry setting . Previously reported experiments have focused predominantly on simple water acquisitions or the use of NMR spectroscopy for imaging (MRI).…”