Acoustic nuclear magnetic resonance in biological tissue

Acoustic nuclear magnetic resonance (ANMR) has been shown to be an effective tool for characterizing the nuclear spin system in solids. In conventional NMR, the transitions between nuclear spin energy levels are induced by the interaction of an RF magnetic field with the nuclear magnetic dipole moment. In ANMR the energy exchange between the acoustic wave and the nuclear spin system can take place through the periodic perturbation of either the magnetic dipole-dipole interaction distance or the electric field gradient, the latter acting in turn upon the nuclear electric quadrupole moment. We should expect to gain different medical knowledge about a sample from these two NMR techniques as a result of their distinct interaction mechanisms. Little is known about the potential for using acoustic nuclear magnetic resonance in biological tissues. We are currently addressing many fundamental questions concerning the possible ANMR interaction mechanisms in tissues and their possible uses for medical diagnosis.