An embodiment of the invention relates to a portable or handheld device
for performing NMR analysis. The device comprises a console and a strip
which can be placed into the console through a slot or other means. The
strip comprises a sample holding place and a microcoil for generating an
excitation magnetic field across a sample in the sample holding space. A
permanent magnet is provided either by the console or the strip and
generates a static magnetic field which, together with the excitation
magnetic field, creates NMR within the sample. Other embodiments of the
invention also encompass method of performing NMR analysis using the
portable device and method of making such devices.