Time-optimal coherence-order-selective transfer of in-phase coherence in heteronuclear IS spin systems

Based on principles of geometric optimal control theory, coherence transfer building blocks can be derived which achieve optimal sensitivity. Here, experimental pulse sequences are presented that achieve the best possible coherence-order-selective in-phase transfer (S- --> I-) for a heteronuclear 2-spin system for any given mixing time in the absence of relaxation. For short mixing times, the optimal experiment improves the sensitivity of isotropic mixing by up to 12.5%. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).