Hyperpolarization

Hyperpolarization is a process used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and MRI to significantly increase the magnetization of specific nuclei, like hydrogen atoms. Normally, these nuclei are only slightly aligned with a magnetic field, resulting in weak signals. Hyperpolarization boosts this alignment thousands of times, making the signals much stronger. This allows for highly sensitive imaging or detailed chemical analysis. Techniques like using lasers or specialized catalysts can achieve hyperpolarization quickly, providing clearer, more informative images or data, especially useful in medical diagnostics and scientific research.