picoSpin 45 - Installation and Setup

Importance of the Topic

Benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems bring high-resolution liquid-phase proton NMR into small laboratories and educational settings. Rapid installation, user-friendly software and minimal sample requirements make compact spectrometers an attractive tool for routine quality control, reaction monitoring and teaching.

Objectives and Overview

This application note guides the user through unpacking and installing the picoSpin 45 spectrometer, configuring network and temperature control, preparing and injecting samples, executing automatic shimming, acquiring a first spectrum and processing data in Mnova software.

Instrumentation

• picoSpin 45 pulsed-FT NMR spectrometer with permanent magnet, RF transmit/receive electronics, digital data acquisition and web-based interface
• Capillary cartridge, inlet filter, PEEK plugs, syringe port, blunt-tip needle and drain tubing
• Power supply, power cord, Ethernet cable and accessory kit
• Recommended browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Safari or IE 10/11

Methodology

• Unpacking and Setup: Remove shipping restraints, install black plugs, position spectrometer on feet, connect power and Ethernet cables, and switch on unit.
• Network Configuration: Obtain IP via DHCP on LAN or assign static IP (default 192.168.42.31) for direct connection; configure Windows or Linux network settings as required.
• Magnet Temperature Control: Use the web interface to verify PID settings (P = 10.2, I = 0.02), ensure closed-loop heating and a setpoint of 42 °C; allow 20–60 minutes for stabilization.
• Sample Injection: Wear eye protection; fit inlet filter and syringe port; draw solvent (water or acetone) to prime the cartridge, avoiding air bubbles; plug ports when idle to prolong cartridge life.
• Automatic Shimming: Use the autoShim QuickStart script in two phases (test run followed by write-run) with optimized 90° pulse length, auto-tx offset (200–500 Hz) and up to 100 iterations; monitor spectral peak height and FID decay to verify shim quality.
• First Spectrum Acquisition: Load the onePulse QuickStart script, adjust scans to 10, name the experiment, and record ethyl acetate in neat form to observe CH₃ singlet, CH₂ quartet and CH₃ triplet.
• Data Processing: Download JCAMP-DX file and open in Mnova; apply zero filling, apodization, Fourier transform, phase correction and chemical shift referencing to 2.0 ppm.

Main Results and Discussion

Following installation and temperature stabilization, autoShim delivers line-shape and sensitivity comparable to factory reports within ~15% of peak height. Phase I and II shimming routines yield narrow FIDs with half-intensity decay times characteristic of quality water spectra. The onePulse experiment on ethyl acetate demonstrates clear multiplet structure with minimal baseline distortion.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Fast, user-guided setup reduces downtime and reliance on specialist service calls.
• Web-based control enables operation from any browser without local software installation.
• Low sample volume and disposable cartridges simplify handling of valuable or hazardous liquids.
• Automated shimming and preconfigured scripts streamline routine QA/QC and educational experiments.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Integration of cloud-based experiment libraries, advanced automated shimming algorithms, remote monitoring and machine-learning-assisted data analysis is expected to further simplify operation and expand capabilities. Multi-nucleus operation, higher-field benchtop magnets and real-time reaction monitoring will address emerging needs in process analytics and synthetic chemistry.

Conclusion

The picoSpin 45 spectrometer demonstrates rapid deployment, reliable performance and straightforward spectral acquisition for routine proton NMR applications. Its compact form factor, automated workflows and browser-based interface make it an ideal solution for analytical, educational and industrial laboratories.