37 research outputs found
Multi-Channel SQUID System for MEG and Ultra-Low-Field MRI
A seven-channel system capable of performing both magnetoencephalography
(MEG) and ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF MRI) is described.
The system consists of seven second-order SQUID gradiometers with 37 mm
diameter and 60 mm baseline, having magnetic field resolution of 1.2-2.8
fT/rtHz. It also includes four sets of coils for 2-D Fourier imaging with
pre-polarization. The system's MEG performance was demonstrated by measurements
of auditory evoked response. The system was also used to obtain a multi-channel
2-D image of a whole human hand at the measurement field of 46 microtesla with
3 by 3 mm resolution.Comment: To appear in Proceedings of 2006 Applied Superconductivity Conferenc
Multi-sensor system for simultaneous ultra-low-field MRI and MEG
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging at ultra-low
fields (ULF MRI) are two methods based on the ability of SQUID (superconducting
quantum interference device) sensors to detect femtotesla magnetic fields.
Combination of these methods will allow simultaneous functional (MEG) and
structural (ULF MRI) imaging of the human brain. In this paper, we report the
first implementation of a multi-sensor SQUID system designed for both MEG and
ULF MRI. We present a multi-channel image of a human hand obtained at 46
microtesla field, as well as results of auditory MEG measurements with the new
system.Comment: To appear in Proceedings of 15th International Conference on
Biomagnetis
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Forward model for the superconducting imaging-surface meg system
We have recently completed a novel whole-head MEG system based on the Superconducting Imaging-Surface (SIS) concept originally proposed by van Hulsteyn, et al.[l]. The SIS concept is generally described as a source near a superconducting surface. The source field induces Meissner currents in the superconductor equivalent to a source image 'behind' the surface. A sensor (SQUIDS in our system) placed on the source-side of the SIS will measure the superposed fields from the real and image sources. A second consequence of the Meissner effect is to shield the SQUIDS sensors near the SIS from external or background fields. The shape of the SIS used in our MEG system is a hemisphere with two cut-outs at the nominal ear-locations. A brim is added around the entire periphery with a smooth 0.5 cm radius transition between brim and hemisphere. Benefits of the SIS concept over existing systems include significantly enhanced signal-to-noise as a consequence of the SIS shielding and inherently generating pseudo-first order gradient fields at the sensors. One of the most significant challenges in realizing this system has been to accurately describe how the SIS system impacts the forward physics of any source model. Two approaches have been examined. The first is a hybrid analytical and empirical model using the analytic formalism to describe the hemisphere [1] and a correction matrix derived from empirical measurements to correct for edge effects. This approach proved overly complex and difficult in practice to obtain sufficient empirical data to derive a well-conditioned correction matrix. The second approach, reported here, was to develop a boundary element model (BEM) description of the SIS using the exact as-built geometry. Each element is described by a uniform magnetization arising from a distribution of Meissner currents in the superconductor such that B{perpendicular} = 0 at the surface. B{sub i} at each element is a superposition of the source field and the fields resulting from currents in all other elements. A precision phantom was developed to test the model. Modeled and measured magnetic field distributions agreed with typically less than 1% (< 0.1% in most cases) discrepancy at all SQUID sensors for more than 60 phantom coil positions. The attached figure shows modeled and measured magnetic field distributions for 25 such phantom coils
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First results for a superconducting imaging-surface sensor array for magnetoencephalography
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) follows from the initial fundamental work of Cohen in 1968 and development by several groups, most notably at MIT and at NYU, based on the development of the Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) using the Josephson effect. The SQUID`s incredible sensitivity to magnetic fields permits the measurement of the very weak magnetic fields emitted from the human brain due to intracellular neuronal currents. Current growth in MEG is dominated by multiple sensor arrays covering much of the head. These new large devices have primarily been developed and made commercially available by several companies including BTI in the US, CTF in Canada, and Neuromag in Finland. Large projects are also in place in Japan. These systems contain more than 100 sensors spaced at various intervals over the head using various configurations of magnetometers and gradiometers. The different designs available on the market are driven by factors such as detection efficiency, cost, and application. They now present a completely novel whole-head SQUID array system using a superconducting imaging-surface gradiometer concept derived at Los Alamos. Preliminary tests have demonstrated higher performance, lower noise, and additional shielding of background fields while using simpler fabrication techniques than existing whole-head MEG systems, which should reduce production costs
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Weld quality evaluation using a high temperature SQUID array
This paper presents preliminary data for evaluating weld quality using high temperature SQUIDS. The SQUIDS are integrated into an instrument known as the SQUID Array Microscope, or SAMi. The array consists of ll SQUIDs evenly distributed over an 8.25 mm baseline. Welds are detected using SAMi by using an on board coil to induce eddy currents in a conducting sample and measuring the resulting magnetic fields. The concept is that the induced magnetic fields will differ in parts of varying weld quality. The data presented here was collected from three stainless steel parts using SAMi. Each part was either solid, included a good weld, or included a bad weld. The induced magnetic field's magnitude and phase relative to the induction signal were measured. For each sample considered, both the magnitude and phase data were measurably different than the other two samples. These results indicate that it is possible to use SAMi to evaluate weld quality
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Experimental Investigation of High Temperature Superconducting Imaging Surface Magnetometry
The behavior of high temperature superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) in the presence of high temperature superconducting surfaces has been investigated. When current sources are placed close to a superconducting imaging surface (SIS) an image current is produced due to the Meissner effect. When a SQUID magnetometer is placed near such a surface it will perform in a gradiometric fashion provided the SQUID and source distances to the SIS are much less than the size of the SIS. We present the first ever experimental verification of this effect for a high temperature SIS. Results are presented for two SQUID-SIS configurations, using a 100 mm diameter YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} disc as the SIS. These results indicate that when the current source and sensor coil (SQUID) are close to the SIS, the behavior is that of a first-order gradiometer. The results are compared to analytic solutions as well as the theoretical predictions of a finite element model
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LTS Gradiometers Based-On Superconducting Imaging Surface Design
Gradiometer-like devices can be built using a superconducting imaging surface design. Such devices behave similarly to conventional wire-wound gradiometers for nearby magnetic sources. A large gradiometer array can be built by placing SQUID magnetometers close to the surface of a large superconducting plane. The most attractive advantage of such a gradiometer array is the ability to change a baseline for all channels simultaneously by mechanically moving the superconducting imaging surface relative to the sensor array. This can easily be accomplished even when the gradiometer array is cold. We built, experimentally tested, and simulated both first- and second-order gradiometer-like devices with adjustable baseline using the superconducting imaging surface design. First-order radial gradiometer sensors were made by placing planar magnetometers parallel to and near the superconducting imaging surface. A second-order electronic gradiometer was realized by subtracting the output from two of the first-order gradiometers described above
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PERFORMANCE OF A NOVEL SQUID-BASED SUPERCONDUCTING IMAGING-SURFACE MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY SYSTEM
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IMAGING MAGNETIC SOURCES IN THE PRESENCE OF SUPERCONDUCTING SURFACES: MODEL & EXPERIMENT
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