Developing New Q-meters for NMR Measurements of Polarized Solids

Enhanced polarization of target nuclei can be measured via the complex impedance of a resonant circuit coupled to the target while sweeping the circuit through the nuclear Larmor frequency, observing the absorption or emission of energy by the spins in the material. For decades, solid polarized targets at Jefferson Lab have relied upon continuous-wave Nuclear Magnetic Resonance polarization measurements using Liverpool Q-meter systems. These Liverpool Q-meters are no longer produced, and replacing the aging components is becoming increasingly difficult. The polarized target group at Bochum has produced replacement Q-meters in the Liverpool style using modern components, and we are following their example while researching improvemnts to the technique. We discuss our efforts to produce improved Q-meters for upcoming experiments utilizing solid polarized targets in Jefferson Lab's Hall B.