The objective of this SBIR proposal (phase I and II) is to explore new technology that can be used to ultimately develop during phase III a low cost modular NMR console that can replace any commercially available console and provide up to date performance at a cost of less than $100,000. During Phase I, new RF technology currently used in cellular phone and other consumer product technology will be evaluated in an NMR spectrometer. In particular new Frequency Generation and new IF Detection schemes for NMR Observe Unit will be studied in an NMR spectrometer and their respective performance will be assessed. During Phase II, several units derived from the technology explored in phase I will be designed, built and tested in an NMR environment. This will include a complete broadband observe unit, a multi-nuclei decoupler and a field-frequency lock channel. The end result will be a complete low-cost modular NMR console. This should be an attractive alternative to expensive NMR spectrometers and should help improve the funding problems for state of the art equipment. Commercial development and application will follow during Phase III.
