Developing advanced microwave sources for enhancing nuclear magnetic resonance techniques
Official title: Solid-State Sources for DNP-NMR
Funded at Virginia Diodes, INC. · NIH-11068673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to make nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) more sensitive, which helps scientists learn more about how our bodies and other living things work, by creating a better microwave source to improve the technology used in these tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Diodes, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $299,996 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM157838-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with conditions that could benefit from enhanced NMR techniques, such as metabolic disorders or cancers, would be ideal candidates for this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions that require advanced imaging or biochemical analysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques, which enhance the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) used to study biological and biochemical processes. The project aims to create a new type of microwave source that can produce high power and wide tuning bandwidth signals, essential for effective DNP applications. By utilizing advanced technologies such as mixer-based up-conversion and high-frequency amplifiers, the researchers hope to develop a source that meets the specific frequency requirements for NMR. This could lead to better insights into various biological functions and processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the sensitivity of NMR techniques, leading to better understanding and treatment of various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of developing solid-state microwave sources is innovative, similar advancements in DNP techniques have shown promise in enhancing NMR sensitivity in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Diodes, INC.
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leavesley, Alisa — Virginia Diodes, INC.
- Study coordinator: Leavesley, Alisa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.