The usefulness of xenon as an NMR probe can be extended by using highly spin-polarized Xe-129. Techniques for its exploitation as a surface probe in NMR studies are discussed and examples given of materials that have been investigated, These range from mesoscopic structures such as nanocrystals and porous silicon to high surface area polymers. The Figure shows a Xe-129 NMR image of nested glass tubes (gaps between the tubes are dark).