ZULF

Zero Field, All the Fun

ZULF NMR detects nuclear spins at vanishingly small magnetic fields, where J-couplings dominate and reveal exquisite details of molecular structure and orientation. Because high magnetic fields are unnecessary, ZULF instruments can be compact and affordable, and the lack of magnetic susceptibility distortions allows us to probe samples through opaque materials, including metals. We employ atomic magnetometers—rubidium vapor sensors with femtotesla sensitivity—to capture these signals. Our work has pioneered high-throughput ZULF detection with arrayed sensors, a step toward “NMR cameras” that deliver rich chemical information at natural isotopic abundance.

Zero to Ultra-low Field NMR

Concept art of high throughput ZULF NMR system
Pre-polarizing magnet capable of preparing multiple samples simultaneously
Render of an OPM showcasing it’s unique ability to detect through metal
NMRduino working as a spectrometer that can detect on many channels at once
An array of OPMs that allow many samples to be scanned simultaneously, as a "NMR camera”
Sample are shuttling to the magnetic shield through a long solenoid tube from the pre-polarizing magnet
Plot showing the long term stability of a ZULF measurement
Blake setting up a ZULF experiment
Diagram showing the the spin coupling network of cyclopentane
Control computer and shuttling system for the ZULF setup
Photograph of apparatus
Multichannel zero-field NMR operation