First results for a superconducting imaging-surface sensor array for magnetoencephalography

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:350909

Kraus, Jr, R H; Flynn, E R; Overton, W; Espy, M A; George, J S; Matlachov, A; Peters, M V; Ruminer, P

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.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 350909
• Report Number(s): LA-UR--98-3755; CONF-980899--; ON: DE99002597
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
BRAIN
DESIGN
DEWARS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DIAGNOSTIC USES
HEAD
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOMETERS
SQUID DEVICES