NMR = Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is the resonance that occurs when a nucleus
(usually hydrogen, but any nucleus that has non-zero spin will work) is placed in a
magnetic field and is 'swept' by a radio frequency that causes the nuclei to
'flip'.
This causes the radio frequency to be absorbed, which is what is measured.
MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a more complex application of NMR in which the
geometric source of the resonances are detected and deconvoluted by Fourier
transform analysis.
ESR = Electron Spin Resonance is also a resonance phenomenon, except in this case
it is the spin of an unpaired electron that is in resonance, rather than a nuclear
spin.
Answered by: Vince Calder, Ph.D., Physical Chemist, retired
'I beseech you to take interest in these sacred domains so expressively called laboratories. Ask that there be more and that they be adorned for these are the temples of the future, wealth and well-being. It is here that humanity will grow, strengthen and improve. Here, humanity will learn to read progress and individual harmony in the works of nature, while humanity's own works are all too often those of barbarism, fanaticism and destruction.'