Thermo Fisher picoSpin 45 Benchtop 1H Pulsed Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer

Overview

The Thermo Fisher picoSpin 45 is a compact, permanent-magnet-based benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer engineered for routine ¹H NMR analysis in teaching laboratories, quality control environments, and research settings where space, budget, and operational simplicity are critical constraints. Operating at a fixed Larmor frequency of 45 MHz for protons (corresponding to a 1.07 T static magnetic field), the instrument employs pulsed Fourier transform (PFT) methodology—utilizing precisely timed radiofrequency (RF) pulses and time-domain signal acquisition followed by digital Fourier transformation—to generate high-fidelity ¹H NMR spectra. Unlike high-field superconducting systems requiring cryogens and dedicated infrastructure, the picoSpin 45 integrates a temperature-stabilized rare-earth permanent magnet, eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen or helium, vacuum maintenance, or RF shielding rooms. Its design prioritizes robustness, reproducibility, and accessibility without compromising fundamental NMR fidelity—enabling users to perform structural verification, reaction monitoring, and quantitative mixture analysis with validated spectral line shapes and chemical shift accuracy.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (17.8 × 14.6 × 29.2 cm) and lightweight construction (4.8 kg), enabling deployment on standard lab benches or shared instrumentation carts.
• Integrated capillary sample handling system with disposable, pre-assembled sample cartridges—each accommodating only 30 µL of homogeneous liquid sample.
• Microcoil RF probe optimized for high sensitivity and minimal magnetic field inhomogeneity across the active volume.
• Fully programmable pulse sequence controller supporting standard 1D experiments (e.g., single-pulse, inversion recovery, spin echo) via Ethernet-connected GUI.
• Self-contained temperature-regulated magnet assembly ensuring field stability (<0.1 Hz/h drift) without external chillers or consumables.
• Native JCAMP-DX (.jdx) output format compliant with industry-standard NMR processing platforms including MestReNova, TopSpin, and ACD/Labs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The picoSpin 45 is validated exclusively for homogeneous liquid-phase samples dissolved in deuterated solvents (e.g., CDCl₃, DMSO-d₆, D₂O). Viscous or particulate-containing solutions are not supported due to limitations in capillary flow dynamics and RF penetration depth. Sample preparation follows conventional NMR protocols: filtration through 0.45 µm filters is recommended; residual protonated solvent signals may be suppressed using presaturation or WET sequences. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2012 for electrical safety and meets FCC Part 15 Class B emission limits. Data integrity aligns with GLP/GMP principles: audit-trail-capable software logging (via optional Mnova license extension), electronic signatures, and raw FID export support facilitate regulatory submissions under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in controlled environments.

Software & Data Management

The picoSpin 45 operates via an embedded Linux-based network server accessible through any modern web browser over standard Ethernet (no client installation required). The intuitive GUI provides real-time spectrum preview, parameter adjustment (pulse width, relaxation delay, number of scans), and basic phasing/baseline correction. All acquired data—including time-domain FIDs and processed spectra—are stored in vendor-neutral JCAMP-DX format, ensuring long-term archival compatibility and third-party reprocessing. Included with each unit is a one-year subscription to Mnova NMR (version 14+), licensed for spectral integration, multiplet analysis, structure prediction (DBS), and report generation. Raw data exports support batch processing workflows and integration into LIMS environments via RESTful API extensions.

Applications

• Undergraduate and graduate teaching labs: Hands-on demonstration of chemical shift, J-coupling, integration, and dynamic NMR phenomena.
• Reaction monitoring: Real-time tracking of conversion kinetics and intermediate formation in organic synthesis.
• Quality assurance: Identity confirmation of reference standards, excipients, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per USP and EP 2.2.32.
• Materials science: Characterization of polymer end-group composition and monomer conversion in acrylate systems.
• Food and beverage QC: Detection of adulteration (e.g., honey dilution, olive oil blending) using fingerprint region pattern recognition.

FAQ

Is the picoSpin 45 suitable for solid-state or heterogeneous samples?
No. It is strictly designed for homogeneous liquid samples introduced via capillary cartridge. Solid, gel, or suspension samples are incompatible.
What is the minimum sample volume required for reliable acquisition?
30 µL of filtered, degassed solution is the nominal requirement. Lower volumes result in reduced signal-to-noise ratio and compromised lineshape fidelity.
Can custom pulse sequences be loaded onto the instrument?
Yes—the embedded pulse controller supports user-defined sequences written in standard picoSpin assembler syntax, subject to hardware timing constraints.
Does the system support 2D NMR experiments?
No. The picoSpin 45 is a dedicated 1D ¹H platform. Two-dimensional experiments require higher field homogeneity and gradient capabilities not present in this configuration.
How is magnetic field homogeneity maintained over time and temperature fluctuations?
Through passive shimming combined with active temperature stabilization of the permanent magnet assembly, achieving field drift <0.1 Hz/h under ambient lab conditions (20–25 °C).