Micro-NMR probe featuring disposable, self-priming sample-inserts, towards high-throughput profiling

We report on a novel micro-fabricated probe for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), based on two 1.5 mm diameter copper micro-coils, which are arranged in a Helmholtz configuration. The probe features a U-shaped slit opening to accommodate a sample and to precisely align it with respect to the sensitive, homogenous magnetic volume of the Helmholtz-pair. For liquids and suspensions, custom fabricated, disposable sample inserts are placed inside the slot. The sensor was successfully tested in a 500 MHz spectrometer using a 5 G/cmA gradient. An image of a water-filled insert was successfully acquired with an in-plane resolution of 20 μm × 20 μm in less than 13 min.