A carrier for a sample of highly polarized material includes a shell having a radially exterior surface and a radially interior surface, and a sample of highly polarized material interiorly adjacent to the radially interior surface. The shell may be substantially cylindrical, and may be constructed from a magnetic or non-magnetic material. The sample of highly polarized material may comprise a methyl rotor group material. The sample of highly polarized material may comprise pyruvic acid or an acetic acid. The sample of highly polarized material may be co-axial with the cylindrical shell. The sample of highly polarized material may be bonded or frozen to the radially interior surface of the shell. The carrier may further comprise a wad of material that forms a volume and contacts an axially proximate end of at least one of the shell or the sample.