In brief

PT2026 Update
Since the update in our last newsletter, we’ve implemented and tested sophisticated new algorithms to perform a rough search for the NMR resonant frequency. In collaboration with the Ecole d’ingénieurs de Genève, we developed another set of algorithms to adaptively reject noise and find the exact resonant frequency when in measurement mode. Last but not least, the design of a new generation of probes, with integrated tuning, has been finalized. We now need to finish integrating the firmware, finalize the design of an adapter card for PT2025 probes, and then: test, test, test! Although our estimated ship date might slip because of the effort we’ve been putting into finishing our new Three-axis Hall Magnetometer, we are very excited about how things are coming together.

New Faces in R&D
In fact it’s now been almost exactly two years that Sylvain Dembski, a top graduate from the Ecole d’ingénieurs de Genève (EIG), joined Metrolab. He has become the key man in the PT2026 development, completely rewriting the DSP firmware. It is his proven superb craftsmanship that makes us confident that the PT2026 v. 2 will be a success.

Roughly a year later, we were able to recruit Sylvain’s professor at the EIG, Jacques Tinembart, and he finally joined us this past August. Jacques had been involved in the PT2026 project as a consultant since the prototyping days, and he has quickly made himself indispensable for all our other projects, in particular the THM1176.

We’re delighted to have Sylvain and Jacques on board. Together with our external partners, we now have a potent and well-balanced R&D organization. Oh yeah – and they’re fun to work with, too!

R&D Cooperation Agreement with EXTRA BYTE
Stanislav Sykora of EXTRA BYTE introduced himself to Metrolab by claiming that he "can build an NMR field meter & stabilizer blindfolded and hanging by my feet in a hurricane". While this claim still awaits empirical verification, we have signed a cooperation agreement for the development of a flexible and low-cost platform for innovative NMR instruments. We are excited to be working with an NMR expert who brings a new perspective into our product development, and look forward to the time when Metrolab products will also have an extra byte. We're keeping an eye on the weather reports, Stan!

Flowing-Liquid NMR Teslameter
Pre-polarizing the NMR sample allows a single probe to very accurately measure a very wide range of magnetic field strengths – say, from the earth's field to that used for MRI systems. After receiving a number of customer requests, Metrolab is seriously studying the technical and market feasibility of building an industrial-quality flowing-liquid NMR teslameter. To support this decision process, we have completed several prototypes and design studies. We're also interested in your input!