IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PREPARATION OF A SAMPLE (E.G. INVOLVING DYNAMIC NUCLEAR POLARISATION) FOR ANALYSIS (E.G. BY NMR OR MRI)

摘要

A method of preparation of a sample for analysis (such as a sample for dynamic unclear polarisation with subsequent analysis by NMR or MRI) comprises providing a sample (10) in a solid state at a first location (12); moving the sample (10) in the solid state to a second location (18); converting the sample (10) to a liquid state at. the second location (18); and performing an analysis on the sample (10) after conversion to the liquid state. Also according to the invention, sample preparation apparatus comprises: a sample preparation station (12) operable to prepare a sample (10) in a solid state; a conversion station (18) operable to convert a prepared sample (10) to a liquid state; a transport mechanism (19) operable to transport a sample (10) in a solid state from the sample preparation station (12) to the conversion station (18); and an analysis station (22) operable to perform an analysis on a sample (10) after conversion to the liquid state by the conversion station (18).