Production and Applications of Spin-Polarized Isotopes of Noble Gases

Abstract

The development of a new direction of research on the production and application of spin-polarized isotopes of noble gases, ³He and ¹²⁹Xe, is overviewed. Methods of laser hyperpolarization, problems of enhancing the efficiency of laser energy input, and methods of storing hyperpolarized (HP) isotopes are described. Examples and advantages of using HP isotopes in fundamental physics, engineering, medicine, and biology, as well as the progress in the creation of biosensors on hyperpolarized noble gases, are discussed. It has been shown that the study of protein structures and host–guest molecular complexes can prove useful in searching for means of the targeted delivery of radioactive isotopes (radiopharmaceuticals) in nuclear medicine. It is concluded that the progress in modern technologies for producing miniature electronic devices is suggestive of an imminent emergence of small-size scanners for human brain research. At the same time, a high sensitivity of the method is expected to provide the possibility of studying not only the structure of tissues and bloodstream, but also the response of the brain to various stimuli, and even cognitive functions.