Polarizers, enriched xenon-129, and support for investigators

The XeBox is a self-contained xenon-129 polarizer. It is built around our counterflow column. An operator loads the gas and the dose bags. The machine runs the production cycle, measures the polarization, and keeps a quality log for every batch.

• Since 2010 fully automated
• 40 to 50% xenon-129 polarization, measured in the bag
• 4 to 6 liters of polarized xenon per hour
• Up to 3 liters per run, into as many as four dose bags

How the column works is described under The polarizer.

Natural xenon is about one quarter xenon-129. Imaging works best with gas enriched in that isotope. Our customers have access to our supplies of xenon enriched to more than 91% xenon-129. The polarizer mixes xenon with its buffer gases on board, automatically. Customers can adjust the mixture to balance polarization against production rate for each study. With premixed gas, that balance is fixed.

Hyperpolarized xenon-129 from a Xemed polarizer is given to people under an Investigational New Drug application. We help investigators with the regulatory requirements of their studies. We also provide installation, training, and service for the polarizer.

Our polarizers and MagniXene® are supplied for research. They are not approved by the FDA for clinical use.

Our helium-3 polarizer uses a thin-walled glass cell inside a steel pressure vessel. It has reached a polarization of around 85% in a two-liter cell. The pressure vessel is designed to accommodate cells up to 8 liters. The cell has a valve, so the polarized gas can be withdrawn and the cell refilled. We have built and sold one polarizer of this type, and we are now installing it. The design is suitable for fusion energy research, neutron spin filters, and polarized targets. We sell the polarizer only. We do not sell helium-3 gas. The design is described under Helium-3.

For a polarizer, for gas, or to discuss a study, please use the contact form.