Simple probe for variable pressure deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance studies of soft materials

A deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance probe in which samples can be studied at pressures up to 3 kbar is described. Characteristics of this device include simple design involving a beryllium copper pressure vessel, a modular coil assembly, and containment of the sample in a sealed polyethylene tube. The probe has been designed for operation at a deuterium frequency of 23 MHz in a 100 mm bore superconducting magnet at temperatures ranging from -20 to 100 degrees C. The probe has been used in isobaric and isothermal studies of phospholipid bilayer headgroup orientation, phase behavior, and molecular dynamics. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.