An NMR probe which includes a probe matrix (24) having a void sample (28)
volume therein. A conductive coil (16, 26) can be at least partially
embedded in the probe matrix (24). By embedding the conductive coil (16,
26) in the probe matrix (24), the fill-factor can be significantly
increased. NMR probes can be formed by a method which includes wrapping a
conductive wire (16) around a coil form (18) to produce a coil precursor
assembly. The probe matrix (24) can be formed around the conductive wire
and coil form with a matrix material using any suitable technique such as
soft lithography and/or molding. The coil form can be removed from the
probe matrix leaving a void sample volume (28) in the probe matrix.
Advantageously, the NMR probes of the present invention allow for
fill-factors approaching and achieving 100%.