Spin Around
ic-automation GmbH located in Mainz-Weisenau Germany recently partnered with
physicists at Johannes-Gutenberg University to develop commercial equipment
for the efficient generation of hyperpolarized helium.
Final machine designs relied heavily upon the extensive use of structural
aluminum and modular components provided by item's world headquarters in Solingen Germany.
Development of an efficient production method for helium provides new opportunities
in nuclear research and medical technology.
How the machine works 
Helium in its natural form consists of a positively charged nucleus (two protons) with
two negatively charged electrons circling them. Apart from the normal form of helium
(helium-4) there is an isotope which is rarely found on Earth, helium-3, which only
has one neutron in its nucleus (or helion). Helium is chemically inert and is not known
to have any detrimental effects on human tissue. The helions of helium-3 have a curious
property: they exhibit an inherent spin. Like minute gyroscopes they revolve around
their own axis in any direction. The machine manufactured by ic-automation produces
polarised helium in such a way that all the directions of spin are aligned with each
other (hyperpolarization). At a low pressure, gas is discharged, in a way similar to
neon lights. This gas discharge provides the initial energy required to allow the
helions to be polarised using lasers. For transport purposes, this polarised gas is
pressurised at up to 3 bar. The polarization effect can be maintained for several
days if correctly stored.
Applications
Historically, standard X-raying of patients lungs has presented problems.
Inherent issues associated with normal breathing and the natural intake of oxygen
prevents accurate recognition of disease symptoms.
This restriction can now be eliminated using spin polarized helium-3 in MRI exams.
The patient, lying in the MRI scanner breathes in a specific volume of the noble gas
(which acts as a contrast medium) resulting in the ability to monitor lung condition
both in time and space.
Apart from medical applications, nuclear physicists can use helium-3 for researching
amorphous and crystalline materials using neutrons.
In this example, helium-3 acts as a filter for generating polarized neutrons by allowing
the incorrectly polarized neutrons to be absorbed.
Construction of the machine
Critical parameters in the design of a machine for polarizing helium-3 are the use
of non-magnetic materials as well as a rigid and robust final construction.
Item's extensive fastening line and the use of 320 mm x 160 mm structural aluminum
profiles were the solution to these design issues.
"The sturdy construction is an essential feature for Helios, in particular because of
the size of the gas discharge tubes and the associated size of the overall construction",
explains Dr. Decker, Managing Director of ic-automation.
In addition, the high degree of versatility, outstanding quality, the wide range of
fastening solutions and the availability of large cross-sectional profile shapes
were key elements in choosing the item machine building system for this complex application.
Ic-automation has been developing and manufacturing innovative system solutions since
1995 for applications ranging from microelectronics to medical technology.
This range of applications includes OEM products, machines adapted to meet customer
specific project requirements and complete turn-key systems developed from customer
driven developments.
Once again, the use of the item machine building system allows for special purpose
solutions to be rapidly realized.
