Pulse-Sequence Optimization with Analytical Derivatives. Application to Deuterium Decoupling in Oriented Phases

Abstract

A pulse-sequence optimization procedure that uses a gradient-search method with analytical derivatives is demonstrated. It can be implemented for arbitrarily complex spin-system Hamiltonians and arbitrary pulse sequences. The computational method presented is time-efficient and more accurate than difference methods. It is applied to the optimization of a pulse sequence proposed by K. V. Schenker, D. Suter, and A. Pines [J. Magn. Reson.73, 99 (1987)] for deuterium decoupling in oriented phases. The optimized sequence is tested experimentally on pentadeuterobenzene dissolved in nematic phase.