Hyperpolarized xenon (¹²⁹Xe) gas detects key characteristics of pulmonary physiology such as ventilation and gas transfer from the alveoli to the pulmonary capillaries.

Inhaled hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe gas dissolves in alveolar tissue (e.g., lung parenchyma) and via direct uptake into the red blood cells and blood plasma in the capillaries, giving rise to images of dissolved gas, lung tissue and plasma (membrane) and red blood cells.

The xenon absorption follows the gas transfer of oxygen making it possible to describe lung function uniquely during a single breath-hold.