Force-detected Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

The drive to improve the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to smaller and smaller sample volumes has led to the development of a variety of techniques distinct from conventional inductive detection. In this chapter, we focus on the technique of force-detected NMR as one of the most successful in yielding sensitivity improvements. We review the rationale for the technique, its basic principles, and give a brief history of its most important results. We then cover in greater detail its application in the first demonstration of three-dimensional (3D) nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with nanometer-scale resolution. Next we present recent developments and likely paths for improvement. Finally, the technique and its potential are discussed in the context of competing and complementary technologies.
Comment: Review to appear in in the book "Micro and Nano Scale NMR: Technologies and Systems", ed. Jens Anders and Jan G. Korvink, ISBN 978-3-527-34056-9, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2017; 31 pages, 22 figures