Symmetry in the design of NMR multiple-pulse sequences

The symmetry principles of NMR pulse-sequence design are summarized. The discussion is guided by an analogy with tiling schemes in the decorative arts. The symmetry operations for NMR pulse sequences are discussed in terms of excitation field modifiers and temporal modifiers. The quantum operators which describe the effect of these modifiers on the excitation field spin Hamiltonian are provided. The symmetry transformations of spin propagators, and the different types of pulse-sequence elements are discussed. The common types of symmetry expansion are treated using the propagator transformations and the Euler angles for the excitation field propagators. The selection rules associated with symmetrical pulse sequences are discussed using average Hamiltonian theory. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.