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A multi-site facility providing access to DNP MAS NMR spectrometers

DNP-enhanced Solid-State Spectroscopy

Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) has revolutionized solid-state NMR by providing orders-of-magnitude sensitivity enhancements. By transferring polarization from electrons to nuclei, DNP enables the structural characterization of complex materials and surfaces that are otherwise inaccessible using conventional techniques.

Our Facility

Established in 2015, the Nottingham facility was the first commercial Bruker DNP MAS NMR system in the UK. For a decade, it served as the nation's sole high-field DNP MAS NMR site. Today, it remains a flagship hub within the UK DNP NMR Facility—a national network established in 2025 that links Nottingham with the University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge to provide a comprehensive range of high-field capabilities. The facility is situated within the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC) at the Nottingham University and operates as an integral part of the centre's advanced imaging and spectroscopy infrastructure.

Research & Applications

The facility supports a broad portfolio of academic and industrial research, specializing in materials science, catalysis, pharmaceuticals, and biomolecular systems. By providing significant sensitivity enhancements, DNP allows researchers to characterize complex surfaces, identify transient reaction intermediates, and study dilute samples that are often inaccessible via conventional MAS NMR. More details can be found here.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

To maintain its position at the forefront of the field, the facility underwent a transformative investment of approximately £1 million+ in 2023, funded by a prestigious ESPRC investment. This saw the installation of a state-of-the-art Bruker AVANCE NEO 600 MHz (14.1 T) spectrometer, providing the latest in digital RF control and enhanced sensitivity. Central to this modernization is the fully integrated Bruker LTMAS Version-3 cryogenic unit, which works exclusively with the Bruker MAS III controller to provide the precision pneumatic and temperature stability (~100 K) required for high-performance DNP MAS NMR experiments. This setup is further enhanced by a Bruker BRM (Boil-off Recovery Management) unit for efficient nitrogen recycling, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective long-term operation.

Our hardware suite is engineered for maximum versatility, featuring two 3.2 mm HCN DNP probes optimized for high-sensitivity bulk analysis. In 2026, we further expanded our capabilities with the addition of a 1.3 mm HCN DNP probe, enabling fast-MAS and sophisticated multi-dimensional NMR experiments that set a new standard for DNP research in the UK.

Please visit our DNP system page to learn about the detailed specifications of the instruments and the radicals available.

Accessing the Facility

We welcome researchers from across the UK and the international community. Access is available through the UK DNP MAS NMR facility Application Scheme for funded national facility time, or via direct collaboration with the Nottingham site for pilot studies, research projects, and industrial consultancy. For any other access related inquiry, please contact us directly via email.