About us
Contributing to Materials Research through Solid-state NMR
Solid-state NMR is a fundamental analytical technique for examining the structure and properties of materials from a microscopic perspective. Its unique capability to investigate light elements, amorphous materials, and other systems that are difficult to characterize by conventional techniques has led to a steadily growing demand in materials research. For more than two decades, the NMR section at NIMS has been dedicated to the development of a wide range of state-of-the-art NMR technologies, including ultra-high-field NMR systems. Building on our accumulated expertise in instrument development, measurement methodologies, and data analysis, we address diverse challenges in materials research both within and outside NIMS. Our goal is to accelerate the development of advanced materials by creating innovative NMR instruments and methodologies, while also making these technologies widely available to the research community through user programs and collaborative research. Through these activities, we contribute to scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the advancement, dissemination, and education of NMR technology.
Major NMR Technologies Developed at NIMS
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Ultra-High-Field NMR Systems:
Achieved world-record magnetic field strengths on three occasions: 920 MHz (2001), 930 MHz (2004), and 1020 MHz (2015). -
Cryogenic-Coil MAS NMR System:
Dramatically improved sensitivity in solid-state NMR by cooling the detection system to cryogenic temperatures. -
High-Temperature Pulsed-Field Gradient NMR System:
Enabled diffusion measurements at temperatures up to 700 K. -
Operando NMR System for Battery Materials:
Enabled NMR measurements under operating conditions for investigating electrochemical processes in batteries. -
Optical Pumping NMR System:
Realized ultra-high-sensitivity NMR through the generation of hyperpolarized nuclear spin states at cryogenic temperatures.
Examples of Materials Studied by Solid-State NMR
