Optimal filtering in multipulse sequences for nuclear quadrupole resonance detection

Abstract

The application of the multipulse sequences in nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) detection of explosive and narcotic substances has been studied. Various approaches to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of signal detection are considered. We discussed two modifications of the phase-alternated multiple-pulse sequence (PAMS): the 180A degrees pulse sequence with a preparatory pulse and the 90A degrees pulse sequence. The advantages of optimal filtering to detect NQR in the case of the coherent steady-state precession have been analyzed. It has been shown that this technique is effective in filtering high-frequency and low-frequency noise and increasing the reliability of NQR detection. Our analysis also shows the PAMS with 180A degrees pulses is more effective than PSL sequence from point of view of the application of optimal filtering procedure to the steady-state NQR signal.