Systems and methods for generating hyperpolarized target materials are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can include hyperpolarizing a compound then transferring polarization to a target material. The compound can be selected to have nuclear spins. The compound can be further selected to have electron spins that, when exposed to certain electromagnetic radiation, exceed a predetermined level of polarization. The compound can be exposed to such electromagnetic radiation, optically hyperpolarizing the electron spins of the compound. Polarization can then be transferred from the electron spins of the compound to nuclear spins of the compound, at least in part by exposing the compound to a magnetic field. The compound can be exposed to the target material before or after pulverizing the compound to increase the surface area of the compound, thereby facilitating transfer of polarization from the compound to the target material.

A transport container includes first and second sets or arrays permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets can be flat permanent magnets positioned on cooperating first and second spaced apart metal pans and be configured to project the magnetic holding field in space about an internal holding chamber for gas containers.