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Image Formation by Induced Local Interactions: Examples Employing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Nature volume 242, pages 190–191 (1973)Cite this article

AN image of an object may be defined as a graphical representation of the spatial distribution of one or more of its properties. Image formation usually requires that the object interact with a matter or radiation field characterized by a wavelength comparable to or smaller than the smallest features to be distinguished, so that the region of interaction may be restricted and a resolved image generated.

This limitation on the wavelength of the field may be removed, and a new class of image generated, by taking advantage of induced local interactions. In the presence of a second field that restricts the interaction of the object with the first field to a limited region, the resolution becomes independent of wave-length, and is instead a function of the ratio of the normal width of the interaction to the shift produced by a gradient in the second field. Because the interaction may be regarded as a coupling of the two fields by the object, I propose that image formation by this technique be known as zeugmatography, from the Greek Ceuyiia, "that which is used for joining".

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  1. Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11790 https://www.nature.com/nature

    P. C. LAUTERBUR

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  1. P. C. LAUTERBUR
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LAUTERBUR, P. Image Formation by Induced Local Interactions: Examples Employing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Nature 242, 190–191 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/242190a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/242190a0

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