Single sided time-domain NMR provides a framework for performing portable, non-invasive investigations of porous and stratified media through depth-selective relaxometry and diffusometry. The NMR-MOUSE device was exploited with 1D profiling and multidimensional correlation experiments to extract quantitative markers of layer structure, pore connectivity, and fluid transport in heterogeneous porous systems spanning cultural heritage [1, 2], cementitious materials [3], and biological tissues [4, 5]. In the case of paintings on canvas [1], T2 distributions and signal-intensity depth profiles are correlated with stratigraphic cross-sections. This approach enhances the identification of textile support, preparatory grounds, and paint layers. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges intrinsic to inhomogeneous, partially overlapping strata that contribute jointly to the sensitive volume. About stone conservation [2], single-sided profiles are used to evaluate penetration depth and homogeneity of consolidation treatments. In cement pastes [3], low-field measurements have been shown to monitor hydration-driven decreases in T1 and T2. Furthermore, via T1–T2 correlation maps, these measurements have been demonstrated to resolve interlayer and gel-pore water populations, characterised by distinct T1/T2 ratios and sensitivity to binder composition and paramagnetic iron content. In the field of biomedical studies, the exploitation of strong static gradients for diffusion-weighted contrast is a key approach [4]. Diffusion-weighted T1–T2 encoding has been shown to suppress muscle/cartilage signal, thereby enabling trabecular-bone BV/TV estimation. Furthermore, depth-wise multiparametric mapping of articular cartilage [5], supported by multivariate data analysis, provides a method of differentiating layered structures. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the effectiveness of single-sided NMR as a powerful and versatile tool for in situ diagnostics, monitoring of treatments and microstructural evolution in a wide range of porous media.

[1]: L Brizi, V Bortolotti, G Marmotti, M Camaiti. Identification of complex structures of paintings on canvas by NMR: Correlation between NMR profile and stratigraphy. Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry 58 (9), 889-901 (2020).
[2]: L Brizi, M Camaiti, V Bortolotti, P Fantazzini, B Blümich, S Haber-Pohlmeier. One and two-dimensional NMR to evaluate the performance of consolidants in porous media with a wide range of pore sizes: Applications to cultural heritage. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 269, 186-190 (2018).
[3]: A Nagmutdinova, L Brizi, C Testa, V Bortolotti, L Ferrari. A comparative study of OPC, WPC, and LC3 cements by low-field 1H TD NMR. Construction and Building Materials 506, 144785 (2026).
[4]: M Barbieri, P Fantazzini, V Bortolotti, F Baruffaldi, A Festa, DN Manners, C Testa, L Brizi. Single‐sided NMR to estimate morphological parameters of the trabecular bone structure. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 85 (6), 3353-3369 (2021).
[5]: C Golini, M Barbieri, A Nagmutdinova, V Bortolotti, C Testa, L Brizi. Depth‐wise multiparametric assessment of articular cartilage layers with single‐sided NMR. NMR in Biomedicine 38 (1), e5287 (2025).