Notes from the Physics Teaching Lab: NMR Experiments at 21 Gauss

TL;DR

This paper details undergraduate-friendly NMR experiments using a 21 Gauss magnetic field with the Quantum Control apparatus, demonstrating proton precession in water for physics teaching labs.

Contribution

It provides detailed documentation of simple NMR experiments suitable for undergraduate labs, facilitating curriculum integration.

Findings

Protons precess at about 90 kHz in 21 Gauss field.

Experiments demonstrate basic NMR principles clearly.

Suitable for undergraduate physics education.

Abstract

We describe a series of laboratory experiments that can be performed with the Quantum Control apparatus sold by TeachSpin, which uses pulsed NMR techniques to observe the precession of protons in a liquid water sample. With a uniform background magnetic field of 21 Gauss, the protons precess at about 90 kHz, yielding numerous relatively simple observations and measurements that are well suited to undergraduate physics teaching labs. Our goal in this paper is to document some of these experiments in detail, thereby making it easier for instructors to choose material that is best suited for their curricula.