(NOE) A change in the steady state magnetization of a particular nucleus due to irradiation of a neighboring nucleus with, which it is coupled by means of a spin spin coupling interaction. This interaction must be the primary relaxation mechanism of these nuclei. Such an effect can occur during decoupling and must be taken into account for accurate intensity determinations during such procedures.

A positively charged particle located in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons in the nucleus governs the chemical properties of that element.

The frequency at which the resonance phenomenon occurs. The resonance frequency is given by the Larmor equation for MRI and is determined by the inductance and capacitance for RF circuits. An atom will only absorb external energy if that energy is delivered at precisely it's resonant frequency.
The Larmor equation states that the resonance frequency of a magnetic nucleus (the radio frequency needed to excite a nucleus to the higher spin rate) is directly proportional to the magnetic environment it experiences. Atoms such as hydrogen-1 (1H) and phosporous-31 (31P) resonate at different Larmor radio frequencies because of differences in the magnetic properties of their nuclei. The resonance frequency at 1.5 T for 31P is 25.85 MHz, for 1H, 63.86 MHz.

See also Larmor Frequency.

Atomic nuclei that contain the same number of protons, but differ in the number of neutrons in the nucleus of the atom for the element concerned. For example, 1H, 2H, and 3H are the three isotopes of hydrogen, otherwise known as proton, deuterium, and tritium. Various isotopes have different nuclear magnetic moments and different resonant frequencies. Many isotopes have no magnetic moment and are therefore not observable by MR.

See also Isomer.

The Larmor equation is important because it is the frequency at which the nucleus will absorb energy. The absorption of that energy will cause the proton to alter its alignment and ranges from 1-100 MHz in MRI. The equation states that the frequency of precession of the nuclear magnetic moment is directly proportional to the product of the magnetic field strength (B0) and the gyromagnetic ratio (g). This is stated mathematically as w = g B0.