Nuclear quadrupole resonance system and method for interfacing with a subject material

Abstract

An improved system for interfacing with a subject material is provided where an interface material having target atoms with a known nuclear quadrupole resonance frequency is purposely associated with a subject material. An excitation signal is used to cause a nuclear quadrupole resonance of the target atoms and a receiving devices receives a received signal comprising a probe signal energy. A signal sampling device samples the received signal to produce detection data that is used for at least one of detecting the subject material, locating the subject material, tracking the subject material, or conveying information.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system for interfacing with a subject material, comprising:
 an interface material having target atoms with a known nuclear quadrupole resonance frequency, said interface material being purposely associated with a subject material; and   a nuclear quadrupole resonance frequency source that outputs an excitation signal having a first frequency that causes a nuclear quadrupole resonance of said target atoms, wherein said excitation signal causes the target atoms to produce an alternating current electric field having said nuclear quadrupole resonance frequency.   
     
     
         3 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said interface material comprises at least one power conversion device for converting alternating current power to direct current power. 
     
     
         4 . The interface system of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one power conversion device comprises at least one of a diode, a bi-polar transistor, or a field effect transistor. 
     
     
         5 . The interface system of  claim 2 , wherein said interface material comprises at least one power storage device for storing said direct current power. 
     
     
         6 . The interface system of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one power storage device uses at least one of an electrostatic power storage approach, a chemical power storage approach, or an inductive energy storage approach. 
     
     
         7 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said interface material comprises a piezoelectric material. 
     
     
         8 . The interface system of  claim 6 , wherein said produced alternating current electric field causes a deforming of the shape of the piezoelectric material that provides mechanical action to the subject material. 
     
     
         9 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said interface material comprises at least one of zirconate titanate, barium titanate, berlinite, cane sugar, quartz, Rochelle salt, Topaz, a Tourmaline-group mineral, bone, tendon, silk, wood, enamel, dentin, Gallium orthophosphate, langasite, potassium niobate, lithium niobate, lithium tantalite, or sodium tungstage. 
     
     
         10 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said subject material comprises at least one of a biomaterial, a nanotechnology, a badge, or an object. 
     
     
         11 . The interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a magnetic material, said magnetic material being located between said interface material and said subject material, wherein said interface system is active when said magnetic material is magnetized, and wherein said interface system is inactive when said magnetic material is demagnetized.   
     
     
         12 . The interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an external magnetic field.   
     
     
         13 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said interface material comprises circuitry to provide memory and processing capabilities. 
     
     
         14 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said alternating current electric field causes a corresponding change to a property of the NQR interface material and a corresponding effect to the subject material. 
     
     
         15 . The interface system of  claim 13 , wherein said corresponding effect is one of a transverse effect, a longitudinal effect or shear effect. 
     
     
         16 . The interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a processor that controls a modulation of said excitation signal.   
     
     
         17 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said subject material is configured to change state upon recognition of said modulation. 
     
     
         18 . The interface system of  claim 1 , wherein said subject material is configured to discharge a payload upon recognition of said modulation. 
     
     
         19 . The interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a detector that outputs a detection signal.   
     
     
         20 . The interface system of  claim 18 , wherein said detection signal is used to detect at least one of a pressure, an acceleration, a strain, a force, or an attachment to a biological material. 
     
     
         21 . The interface system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a probe signal having a second frequency.