Spin Relaxation

NMR relaxometry is an extremely versatile experimental method offering the unique possibility of probing the dynamics of soft and hard matter at a molecular (atomic) level. This book provides the most comprehensive description of spin relaxation theory so far in the literature. It begins with the perturbation approach explaining the reasons for its limited applicability and then looks at a much more general approach based on the Stochastic Liouville Equation. The reader is directed to considering spin relaxation processes in a variety of systems, from simple liquids, via biomolecular systems to solids, in terms of a theoretical formalism that takes into account multiple relaxation pathways, spin interactions of different origins and complex dynamical scenarios including motional processes on different time scales. In the subsequent chapters of the book, spin relaxation processes in specific classes of systems are discussed providing comprehensive, system-dedicated relaxation models based on the current state of art available in the literature and beyond. The application of advanced models of spin relaxation are discussed in detail and illustrated with examples.


The authors and editors are intent on making the reader aware of the pitfalls and advantages of this method and provide relaxation models that will allow the full exploitation of the potential of NMR relaxometry in various areas of molecular science. This book will appeal to the large scientific community exploiting this method for interdisciplinary applications: from quantum physics to food science.