Methods for obtaining polarized xenon for magnetic resonance imaging. Review

Abstract

A review of experimental studies and design developments of devices for obtaining nuclear-spin hyperpolarized 129Xe by optical pumping of rubidium vapor with subsequent spin exchange with noble gas isotope atoms is presented. Hyperpolarized 129Xe atom is an excellent probe in magnetic resonance imaging in studies of lung structure and function, and biomarkers based on it are applicable for the diagnosis of a wide range of both pulmonary and other diseases. The principles of operation, advantages and disadvantages of polarizer design options are outlined. The main attention is paid to new approaches and technical solutions that determine the trends in the development of the methodology. Keywords: hyperpolarized xenon, lasers, optical pumping, nuclear magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging.