SQUID-detected NMR and MRI in Microtesla Magnetic Fields

SQUID-detected NMR and MRI in Microtesla Magnetic Fields PDF Author: Robert Francis McDermott
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Languages : en
Pages : 310

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SQUID-detected NMR and MRI in Microtesla Magnetic Fields

SQUID-detected NMR and MRI in Microtesla Magnetic Fields PDF Author: Robert Francis McDermott
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 310

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SQUID-Detected Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MicroteslaFields

SQUID-Detected Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MicroteslaFields PDF Author:
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Languages : en
Pages :

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has developed into a powerful clinical tool for imaging the human body (1). This technique is based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of protons (2, 3) in a static magnetic field B0. An applied radiofrequency pulse causes the protons to precess about B0 at their Larmor frequency?0 = (?/2?)B0, where? is the gyromagnetic ratio;?/2? = 42.58 MHz/tesla. The precessing protons generate an oscillating magnetic field and hence a voltage in a nearby coil that is amplified and recorded. The application of three-dimensional magnetic field gradients specifies a unique magnetic field and thus an NMR frequency in each voxel of the subject, so that with appropriate encoding of the signals one can acquire a complete image (4). Most clinical MRI systems involve magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets, and the current trend is to higher magnetic fields than the widely used 1.5-T systems (5). Nonetheless, there is ongoing interest in the development of less expensive imagers operating at lower fields. Commercially available 0.2-T systems based on permanent magnets offer both lower cost and a more open access than their higher-field counterparts, at the expense of signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and spatial resolution. At the still lower field of 0.03 mT maintained by a conventional, room-temperature solenoid, Connolly and co-workers (6, 7) obtain good spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by prepolarizing the protons in a field B{sub p} of 0.3 T. Prepolarization (8) enhances the magnetic moment of an ensemble of protons over that produced by the lower precession field; after the polarizing field is removed, the higher magnetic moment produces a correspondingly larger signal during its precession in B0. Using the same method, Stepisnik et al. (9) obtained MR images in the Earth's magnetic field (≈ 50?T). Alternatively, one can enhance the signal amplitude in MRI using laser polarized noble gases such as 3He or 129Xe (10-12). Hyperpolarized gases were used successfully to image the human lung in fields on the order of several mT (13-15). To overcome the sensitivity loss of Faraday detection at low frequencies, ultrasensitive magnetometers based on the Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) (16) are used to detect NMR and MRI signals (17-24). Recently, SQUID-based MRI systems capable of acquiring in vivo images have appeared. For example, in the 10-mT system of Seton et al. (18) signals are coupled to a SQUID via a superconducting tuned circuit, while Clarke and coworkers (22, 25, 26) developed a system at 132?T with an untuned input circuit coupled to a SQUID. In a quite different approach, atomic magnetometers have been used recently to detect the magnetization (27) and NMR signal (28) of hyperpolarized gases. This technique could potentially be used for low-field MRI in the future. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of MRI in microtesla fields detected with SQUIDs. The principles of SQUIDs and NMR are briefly reviewed. We show that very narrow NMR linewidths can be achieved in low magnetic fields that are quite inhomogeneous, with illustrative examples from spectroscopy. After describing our ultralow-field MRI system, we present a variety of images. We demonstrate that in microtesla fields the longitudinal relaxation T1 is much more material dependent than is the case in high fields; this results in a substantial improvement in 'T1-weighted contrast imaging'. After outlining the first attempts to combine microtesla NMR with magnetoencephalography (MEG) (29), we conclude with a discussion of future directions.

Squid Detected NMR and MRI at Ultralow Fields

Squid Detected NMR and MRI at Ultralow Fields PDF Author:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

SQUID-Detected Microtesla MRI in the Presence of Metal

SQUID-Detected Microtesla MRI in the Presence of Metal PDF Author:
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Languages : en
Pages :

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In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at fields of 1 T and above, the presence of a metal insert can distort the image because of susceptibility differences within the sample and modification of the radiofrequency fields by screening currents. Furthermore, it is not feasible to perform nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or acquire a magnetic resonance image if the sample is enclosed in a metal container. Both problems can be overcome by substantially lowering the NMR frequency. Using a microtesla imaging system operating at 2.8 kHz, with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) as the signal detector, we have obtained distortion-free images of a phantom containing a titanium bar and three-dimensional images of an object enclosed in an aluminum can; in both cases high-field images are inaccessible.

Novel Techniques and Phenomena in Low-static Field NMR and MRI Detected with a SQUID

Novel Techniques and Phenomena in Low-static Field NMR and MRI Detected with a SQUID PDF Author: SeungKyun Lee
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 236

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Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance PDF Author: Robert Kraus Jr.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199347883
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 266

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Book Description
This book is designed to introduce the reader to the field of NMR/MRI at very low magnetic fields, from milli-Tesla to micro-Tesla, the ultra-low field (ULF) regime. The book is focused on applications to imaging the human brain, and hardware methods primarily based upon pre-polarization methods and SQUID-based detection. The goal of the text is to provide insight and tools for the reader to better understand what applications are best served by ULF NMR/MRI approaches. A discussion of the hardware challenges, such as shielding, operation of SQUID sensors in a dynamic field environment, and pulsed magnetic field generation are presented. One goal of the text is to provide the reader a framework of understanding the approaches to estimation and mitigation of low signal-to-noise and long imaging time, which are the main challenges. Special attention is paid to the combination of MEG and ULF MRI, and the benefits and challenges presented by trying to accomplish both with the same hardware. The book discusses the origin of unique relaxation contrast at ULF, and special considerations for image artifacts and how to correct them (i.e. concomitant gradients, ghost artifacts). A general discussion of MRI, with special consideration to the challenges of imaging at ULF and unique opportunities in pulse sequences, is presented. The book also presents an overview of some of the primary applications of ULF NMR/MRI being pursued.

High-Tc SQUIDs for Biomedical Applications: Immunoassays, Magnetoencephalography, and Ultra-Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

High-Tc SQUIDs for Biomedical Applications: Immunoassays, Magnetoencephalography, and Ultra-Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging PDF Author: Fredrik Öisjöen
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642313566
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 111

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Book Description
This thesis describes the challenging task of developing high critical temperature superconducting quantum interference devices (high-Tc SQUIDs) and using them as sensors for biomedical applications, including magnetic immunoassays, magnetoencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The first part of this work discusses the development of fast magnetic immunoassays, which can be used to improve the sensitivity, or to create new, unique point-of-care diagnostics systems. The second part shows that high-Tc SQUIDs might make magnetoencephalography more available, thus opening the field of high-Tc SQUID-based magnetoencephalography for recording brain functions. This technique can be combined with ultra-low field MRI which is discussed in the last part. This combination may provide a new unique tool for studies of brain functions. This work does not simply improve on existing technology but opens possibilities for novel advanced medical devices and techniques.

The SQUID Handbook

The SQUID Handbook PDF Author: John Clarke
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3527609504
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 653

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Book Description
This two-volume handbook offers a comprehensive and coordinated presentation of SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices), including device fundamentals, design, technology, system construction and multiple applications. It is intended to bridge the gap between fundamentals and applications, and will be a valuable textbook reference for graduate students and for professionals engaged in SQUID research and engineering. It will also be of use to specialists in multiple fields of practical SQUID applications, from human brain research and heart diagnostics to airplane and nuclear plant testing to prospecting for oil, minerals and buried ordnance. While the first volume presents the theory and fabrication of SQUIDs, the second volume is devoted to applications. It starts with an important aspect of the analysis of measured magnetic signals generated by current sources (the inverse problem), and includes several chapters devoted to various areas of application, namely biomagnetism (research on and diagnostics of human brain, heart, liver, etc.), detection of extremely weak signals, for example electromagnetic radiation and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The volume closes with a chapter on motion detectors and the detection of gravity waves.

NMR and MRI Apparatus and Method

NMR and MRI Apparatus and Method PDF Author:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. Additional signal to noise benefits are obtained by use of a low noise polarization coil, comprising litz wire or superconducting materials. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

SQUIDs Vs. Faraday Coils for Ultlra-low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

SQUIDs Vs. Faraday Coils for Ultlra-low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance PDF Author:
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Languages : en
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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods are widely used in medicine, chemistry and industry. One application area is magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. Recently it has become possible to perform NMR and MRI in ultra-low field (ULF) regime that requires measurement field strengths only of the order of 1 Gauss. These techniques exploit the advantages offered by superconducting quantum interference devices or SQUIDs. Our group at LANL has built SQUID based MRI systems for brain imaging and for liquid explosives detection at airports security checkpoints. The requirement for liquid helium cooling limits potential applications of ULF MRI for liquid identification and security purposes. Our experimental comparative investigation shows that room temperature inductive magnetometers provide enough sensitivity in the 3-10 kHz range and can be used for fast liquid explosives detection based on ULF NMR/MRI technique. We describe an experimental and computer simulation comparison of the world's first multichannel SQUID based and Faraday coils based instruments that are capable of performing ULF MRI for liquids identification.