Zero quantum NMR in the rotating frame: <i>J</i> cross polarization in AX<i>N</i> systems

Abstract

An analysis of liquid state cross polarization in AXN spin systems is presented. A two-level geometrical formalism derived from symmetry considerations provides a closed form description of the quantum dynamics for arbitrary N. A parallel discussion using a classical vector model explains the significance of the quantum mechanical solutions and illustrates the nature of the spin–spin correlations accompanying magnetization transfer. General expressions for the J cross polarization A signal with and without X decoupling are given. A discussion of RJCP and PCJCP pulse sequences introduced previously shows how manipulation of Hartmann–Hahn mismatch can advantageously modify cross-polarization dynamics. The quantum formalism demonstrates that efficient polarization transfer is equivalent to population inversion of an ensemble of fictitious spins subjected to different rf field intensities, and that pulse sequences for cross polarization can be constructed by analogy with conventional spin inversion techniques.