NMR Theory

This section is intended to provide an overview of solid state NMR for someone unfamiliar with NMR techniques. For a more comprehensive theoretical explanation of NMR we recommend a few web resources on NMR and EPR which can be particularly useful due to their conciseness and clarity. Lastly we have recommended additional books at the bottom that are worth referencing.

A brief Introduction for a general audience

Most people are unfamiliar with NMR, but often familiar with both cookies and guitars. The following description of NMR is one possible example of breaking down some of the complexities of the technique to the general public in a way that both catches some attention and explains the basic concept.

An introduction for the general public: Cookies, Guitars and NMR

Web texts and resources

The LibreText NMR theory page provides a good introduction to the nuclear physicis that result in NMR

The LibreText Solid State Experiments page provides a good explnation of Magic Angle Spinning and discussion of pulse sequences commonly used in solids NMR.

Paramagnetic NMR

For an in-depth discussion of the theory see our Paramagnetic Theory Page

Paramagnetic NMR utilizes a phenomenon where unpaired electron spins within a molecule or crystal interact with local nuclear spins. NMR spectra of nuclei which are close enough to the unpaired electron spins can be significantly altered.

Books and additional resources

Recommended books about solid state NMR

The following books and other resources are listed as good references for obtaining or furthering an understanding of solid state NMR. We divide these resources into three audiences: Beginner, Moderate, and Advanced.

Current Developments in Solid State NMR Spectroscopy, by Moller and Madhu 2003 Advanced level Publisher webpage for this book This is a descriptive book that has the level of detail leaving an expert satisfied, but overwhelming the novice. Its initial chapters are especially good references when returning to the theory after a few years of running NMR experiments. The price tag is high depending on where you purchase this, however it is often included in springer online access for direct download, so you may already have access to it though a universities web subscription.

Solid State NMR Spectroscopy, by Melinda Duer 2005 Middle level Publisher webpage for this book This is a good middle level book on a number of SSNMR topics, with a detail level that works well for a 2-3 year graduate student. The book cover links to the publishers website, however copies of this book are available for a cheaper price on other websites.

Recommended books broadly about NMR

Spin Dynamics, by Malcolm H. Levitt 2008 Beginner level Publisher webpage for this book This book provides a good fundamental introduction to the physics and theory behind NMR in general. Although not specifically about solid state NMR it does include discussion on solids topics and presenting a general intoduction. The focus on liquids NMR may help scientsits new to solid state NMR make connections with material they have seen previously.