Revolutionizing NMR Analysis: HTS-110 and Stelar Introduce Compact Benchtop Instrument

The 3Tracer 2.0 HF: Revolutionizing NMR Technology with Cryogen-Free Magnets

A groundbreaking development in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology has been unveiled by New Zealand-based magnet manufacturer HTS-110 and their Italian partner, Stelar s.r.l. The 3Tracer 2.0 HF Relaxometer is a compact NMR instrument that features a new type of energy-efficient superconducting magnet. This magnet, weighing only 56 kilograms, can be powered by a standard single-phase wall socket and can be conveniently placed on a laboratory benchtop.

The 3Tracer 2.0 HF represents a significant advancement from HTS-110’s previous generation of NMR magnets, which required substantial power and installation space. This new instrument eliminates the need for liquid helium cooling, making it a more sustainable and user-friendly option for researchers.

NMR technology plays a crucial role in various scientific fields, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and food research. The 3Tracer 2.0 HF is a variable-field instrument, allowing researchers to adjust the magnet’s strength up to 3 tesla, making it compatible with clinical MRI scanners. This flexibility enables research groups to develop new tissue contrast agents for medical imaging.

Enhanced Flexibility and Efficiency

One of the key benefits of the 3Tracer 2.0 HF highlighted by the NMR community is its versatility in terms of installation and usage. Unlike larger, higher-power systems, this compact magnet can be easily installed on a standard laboratory bench, adapted for mobile research applications, and turned on or off as needed. This level of flexibility opens up new possibilities for researchers who require on-demand access to NMR technology.

Donald Pooke, Chief Executive of HTS-110, emphasized the importance of bringing NMR instruments closer to researchers, stating, “They want the NMR instrument in their lab.” He also revealed that HTS-110 plans to introduce a range of cryogen-free magnets, with future models reaching up to 400 MHz (9.4 T), all designed to be single-phase and energy-efficient.

The debut of the 3Tracer 2.0 HF took place at the 67th Experimental NMR Conference in Asilomar, California, with the instrument now available for orders through Stelar. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for the latter half of 2026, marking a new era in accessible and sustainable NMR technology.

About HTS-110 and Stelar

HTS-110 specializes in high-temperature superconducting magnet systems and offers customized magnet solutions for research and industrial applications. Founded in 2004, HTS-110 is based in New Zealand and supplies magnets globally to universities, laboratories, and research groups.

Stelar s.r.l., a leader in field-cycling NMR instrumentation since 1984, is based in Italy and serves research institutions worldwide across various scientific disciplines.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 26th edition of our quarterly publication.