Vista Clara, Inc
Vista Clara Inc. develops and manufactures magnetic resonance tools for groundwater characterization. In addition, our advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) geophysical instruments are used for environmental, mining, and energy resource investigations. In business since 1997, Vista Clara is the world’s only geophysical instrumentation company with an exclusive focus on NMR technology. Our unique expertise enables the company to rapidly develop and commercialize technologically advanced NMR instruments, and to leverage our portfolio of hardware and software technologies across a growing line of products. We offer rentals of all our products worldwide at economical rates, as well as a full range of field services.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations and our distributors
- Business Type:
- Manufacturer
- Industry Type:
- Soil and Groundwater Monitoring and Testing
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
About Us
Geophysical Groundwater Services Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Vista Clara offers comprehensive geophysical services, with a focus on NMR, to deliver valuable information for a wide range of groundwater applications, including environmental, municipal, agricultural, and mining projects. Our unique expertise in NMR instrumentation and analysis allows us to provide detailed characterization of groundwater without the need to drill additional wells. We can acquire NMR measurements non-invasively using our GMR surface-based instrument or via small boreholes using our Javelin logging tools, which can even operate in combination with a geoprobe system. Our team of expert engineers and geophysicists interpret these measurements to deliver actionable information to our clients. In addition to NMR measurements, we can also provide a full suite of conventional surface and borehole geophysical services to complement any survey.
Vista Clara is comprised of a Board of Directors, President, and Vice President that provide strategic and financial management. Our staff includes scientists, electrical and systems engineers, geophysicists, and administrative support personnel. Our principal office is located in Mukilteo, Washington, in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Vista Clara Inc. is incorporated in the State of Washington, and classified under SBA regulations as a small, veteran-owned business. Vista Clara Inc. is also registered as a business in Australia with a resident director based in Adelaide.
Vista Clara is the global leader in developing, delivering and supporting advanced Magnetic Resonance (NMR) tools for groundwater detection and hydrogeologic characterization.
Our advanced NMR technologies are used in many industries including:
- Groundwater Resources
- Environmental Remediation
- Mining
- Geotechnical & Construction
Magnetic Resonance Principles
Magnetic Resonance (MR) refers to a technique in physics known as “Nuclear Magnetic Resonance” or NMR. This is because we use powerful magnetic fields to affect the nucleus of water molecules for direct characterization. There is no radioactivity involved as “nuclear” merely refers to nucleus of the hydrogen atoms. This is depicted in the image below:
In geophysical applications of magnetic resonance, a high-voltage electrical current is pulsed through a coil of shielded wire at a specific frequency—the resonant frequency of hydrogen nuclei. This ‘excites’ the nuclei, causing them to generate an electromagnetic response signal that can be measured on the same coil that was used to excite them.
Magnetic resonance is a non-invasive physical method to directly detect the magnetic moment of hydrogen protons
A hydrogen proton is a spinning particle with a positive charge – hence it has a non-zero magnetic moment
When placed in a static magnetic field (Bo):
- the magnetic moment preferentially aligns in the direction of the static field, and
- the magnetic moment precesses (wobbles) about the static field at a frequency directly proportional to the static field strength
Fnmr = Bo * (42.58 MHz/T)
Because the recorded NMR signal is emitted directly by hydrogen nuclei in water, it is only present if groundwater is present. Therefore, measuring the NMR signal enables direct quantification of the volume and spatial distribution of groundwater. The behavior of the NMR signal also provides information about the pore-scale hydrogeologic environment. It can be used to estimate critical properties governing the flow and storage of groundwater, such as porosity and permeability.
Just like in the term used for medical MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), we generally choose to drop the “N” from “NMR” when describing our products except when making technical explanations as “MR” is a more commonly known term.
Learn more about Magnetic Resonance applications in Borehole Logging, Surface Measurements and Soil & Core Analysis.
For more details on how Magnetic Resonance works, watch this short 10-minute video by Dave Walsh, President of Vista Clara.
Global On-Site Support
Where in the World is Vista Clara?
The short answer is “Everywhere!”
One of the things that our whole team enjoys the most is to support our customers in the field, virtually anywhere around the globe. We help you get the most out of your Vista Clara equipment investments and provide hands-on, in-depth support to assure success for your specific needs.
Australia
Elliot Grunewald working with Geoscience Australia, Alice Springs, Northern Territory Australia, 2018
Alaska, USA
Elliot Grunewald, Alaska, April 2017
Argentina
Warren Caldwell, Argentina, 2017
Australia
Dave Walsh, The Pilbara, Western Australia, December 2009 (46 deg C in the shade)
Australia
Dave Walsh, Gnangara Mound, Western Australia, 2009
China
Dave Walsh in Wuhan, China in 2014
Germany
Dave Walsh with Leibniz Institute of Applied Geophysics in Hanover Germany - 2019
Montana, USA
Elliot Grunewald and Rodney Caldwell (USGS) in White Sulpher Springs Montana - 2013
Colorado, USA
Warren Caldwell (Vista Clara) and Burke Minsley (USGS), Redwell Basin Colorado, 2018
Texas, USA
Dave Walsh working with USGS in Uvalde Texas, 2009
An Exclusive Focus on NMR Technology
Vista Clara Inc. develops and manufactures advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) geophysical instruments for groundwater, environmental, mining, and energy resource investigations. In business since 1997, Vista Clara is the world’s only geophysical instrumentation company with an exclusive focus on NMR technology. Our unique expertise enables the company to rapidly develop and commercialize technologically advanced NMR instruments, and to leverage our portfolio of hardware and software technologies across a growing line of products.
Vista Clara is comprised of a Board of Directors, President, and Vice President that provide strategic and financial management. Our staff includes scientists, electrical and systems engineers, geophysicists, and administrative support personnel. Our principal office is located in Mukilteo, Washington, in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Vista Clara Inc. is incorporated in the State of Washington, and classified under SBA regulations as a small, veteran-owned business. Vista Clara Inc. is also registered as a business in Australia with a resident director based in Adelaide.
What is NMR?
Magnetic Resonance (MR) refers to a technique in physics known as “Nuclear Magnetic Resonance” or NMR. In geophysical applications of magnetic resonance, a high-voltage electrical current is pulsed through a coil of shielded wire at a specific frequency—the resonant frequency of hydrogen nuclei.
This enables highly accurate detection of groundwater characteristics, including porosity, pore size, bound & mobile water content, hydraulic connectivity and more. Vista Clara’s NMR instruments enable high resolution direct detection of groundwater using borehole logging, non-invasive surface detection, and hand-portable tools.
Click Here to View Job Opportunities
Careers | Vista Clara Inc (vista-clara.com)
Technical Sales and Support Specialist
The technical sales and support specialist is a customer facing position and will work in our sales and marketing department directly support our global customers and selling partners. This will include technical advice to resolve both pre- and post-sales issues regarding engineering, technical and scientific information. This position will provide troubleshooting assistance for customers including order status and will assist in preparation of technical documentation / media materials including specifications, and how to guides to enhance our customer education process.
This role is an excellent opportunity to be involved in almost every aspect of our cutting-edge geophysical instrumentation business. Ideal candidates will be personable, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team environment while helping our partners globally.
Sales and Marketing Manager
The manager of sales and marketing position is responsible for planning and implementing sales, marketing and communication programs, both short and long range, targeted toward existing and new markets, either personally or through subordinates and colleagues. Duties and responsibilities include achieving annual revenue goals, supporting strategic planning, managing direct and indirect sales channels, managing marketing communications, and executing major initiatives as required.
This key role is results-oriented and candidates must perform as both a strategic thinker and tactical planner. The Sales and Marketing Manager will plan customer seminars, workshops, trade events while evaluating and managing our global sales channels. The Manager will review and analyze sales performances against programs, quotes and plans to determine effectiveness.
Firmware/Software Electrical Engineer
Vista Clara is seeking a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s level graduate with 3-10 years of experience in electrical engineering and software/firmware instrument control. This is an opportunity for a motivated engineer to contribute to a dynamic, high-tech company, performing innovative R&D to advance nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technologies for groundwater markets.
This team member will contribute to the engineering and advancement of commercial NMR systems for groundwater characterization. These systems incorporate low-frequency RF electronics (operating from 1kHz – 1MHz), high-power transmitters, low-noise receivers, precise transceiver synchronization, and embedded signal processing. Specific responsibilities include the development of instrument control firmware, as well as the design of software for fast data processing and intuitive user interfacing. Engineering objectives will be focused on transitioning new developments to robust commercial products to meet needs across the groundwater market. Numerous growth opportunities exist in R&D management, product management, and business development.
Applying
Please send your resume to info@vista-clara.com. Attachment of a cover letter is preferred.
Vista Clara provides competitive compensation and benefits including annual company contributions to employee SEP-IRA accounts, paid time off, and health insurance.
