Planar spin imaging by NMR

A new method of spin-density imaging by NMR is described which allows simultaneous observation and differentiation of signals arising from spins distributed throughout a thin layer or plane within the specimen. The method, which is based on selective RF irradiation of the sample in switched magnetic-field gradients, can produce visual pictures considerably faster than previously described line-scan imaging methods. A simple example of a two-dimensional image obtained by the method is presented.