  Broadband inversion pulses that rotate all magnetization components 180
degrees about a given fixed axis are necessary for refocusing and mixing in
high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. The relative merits of various methodologies
for generating pulses suitable for broadband refocusing are considered. The de
novo design of 180 degree universal rotation pulses using optimal control can
provide improved performance compared to schemes which construct refocusing
pulses as composites of existing pulses. The advantages of broadband universal
rotation by optimized pulses (BURBOP) are most evident for pulse design that
includes tolerance to RF inhomogeneity or miscalibration. We present new
modifications of the optimal control algorithm that incorporate symmetry
principles and relax conservative limits on peak RF pulse amplitude for short
time periods that pose no threat to the probe. We apply them to generate a set
of pulses suitable for widespread use in Carbon-13 spectroscopy on the majority
of available probes.
