HYPRES INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: Recent research has shown that Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) may b

Description

Recent research has shown that Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) may be used to measure the very weak magnetic signals in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at ultra-low magnetic fields in the milli-tesla range or below. However, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is quite low, requiring very long averaging times to obtain reasonable spatial resolution. Under the Phase I project, we designed a 0.1 T MRI system which utilizes large arrays of digital SQUIDs, based on Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) digital logic, to enhance SNR (~100), thus obtaining both high resolution and fast imaging. Under the Phase II program and based on this design, we propose to demonstrate, with consultation by Prof. Douglas Rothman of the Yale University Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC) a 4-channel MRI system with a magnetic field strength of 0.050.1 Tesla for imaging small objects and animals. Since the magnet size and strength are modest, the system can be made transportable. In addition, the same SQUID-based imaging array can also be utilized for sensitive Magnetoencephalography (MEG). We will demonstrate that the design can be scaled to 256 digital SQUIDs for a system with larger magnet bore to perform imaging of human brain or extremities.