INGREDIENT

Efficient magnetic resonance research through advanced numerical modeling and optimization

Mission of the project

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is the most versatile investigation technique for deciphering structure and dynamics at the atomic level and for imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI). Unfortunately, the weakness of nuclear spin interactions leads to techniques with very low sensitivity, which produces severe detection problems. As mentioned by R. Ernst in his Nobel Prize lecture in 1991: “The low signal to noise ratio is the most limiting handicap of NMR”. Three decades later, this quotation remains fully relevant. Since NMR is the successful marriage of quantum spin dynamics and experiments, breaking this deadlock requires a combined mathematical and methodological approach.

INGREDIENT aims to push forward the sensitivity limits, possibly by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude.

NOVELTY

(i) Changing the paradigm in the numerical treatment of spin dynamics differential equations and Optimal Control;

(ii) Combining efficient numerical codes to make 4D-5D experiments and solid-state MRI routine applications worldwide.

AMBITION

Success will be grounded on major advances in numerical and instrumental topics. Again, quoting R. Ernst, “Any increase [of the signal-to-noise ratio] by technical means will significantly extend the possible range of NMR applications”. We take “technical means” in a broad sense to include numerical mathematics, computational tools, and experimental techniques.