Stray-field imaging of planar films using a novel surface coil

A surface-coil approach to stray-field magnetic resonance imaging (STRAFI), which has certain advantages for the profiling of planar films and layers, is described. Frequency-swept and Fourier-transform versions of the experiment, which are particularly suitable for use with the coil, are reported. As an example application, a latex coating is analyzed during the evaporative drying process, in which a colloidal dispersion is transformed to a continuous polymer film. The ultimate achievable resolution is discussed and contrasted with conventional MR microscopy. (C) 1997 Academic Press.