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Non-Destructive Tool for Measuring Gas Polarization

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 1R43HL065875-01A1
Amount: $74,900.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (ALCT, INC.) BOX 1314
SUMMIT, NJ 07902
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 JAMES DANIELS
 () -
Business Contact
Phone: (908) 273-0187
Email: CLADIS@ALCT.COM
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (Provided by Applicant): A use has recently been proposed for
hyperpolarized noble gases as an MIRI contrast enhancer for e.g. MRJ of the
lungs and other vacuous spaces. In all applications using hyperpolarized gases,
it is important to measure its polarization. This is especially the case for
hyperpolarized gases delivered from a central facility where there is the
possibility of depolarization in transit.

The purpose of this Phase I SBIR application is to design and build a portable
instrument that can measure the polarization of any hyperpolarized gas, a
hyperpolarimeter. We use a proprietary method that does not depolarize the gas
nor require a nuclear magnetic resonance machine. It probes the gas with a
magnetic field not much stronger than circuit noise at a frequency different
from its magnetic resonance frequency. The principles and details of its
operation are the subject of a patent application. This will be the first
portable instrument to easily and precisely measure gas polarization.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
This device will be useful to measure the degree of polarization of any hyperpolarized gas
delivered to a hospital/clinic for use in enhanced MRI. It can also be used to control the
degree of polarization delivered to a patient. In anticipation of the growing usefulness of
hyperpolarized gases, we estimate initial 2002 sales of 6,000 units for enhanced lung
MRI alone.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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