MRI with an atomic magnetometer suitable for practical imaging applications

J Magn Reson. 2009 Aug;199(2):188-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jmr.2009.04.012. Epub 2009 May 3.

Abstract

Conventionally implemented MRI is performed in a strong magnetic field, typically >1T. The high fields, however, can lead to many limitations. To overcome these limitations, ultra-low field (ULF) [or microtesla] MRI systems have been proposed and implemented. To-date such systems rely on low-Tc Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) leading to the requirement of cryogens. In this letter, we report ULF-MRI obtained with a non-cryogenic atomic magnetometer. This demonstration creates opportunities for developing inexpensive and widely applicable MRI scanners.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation*
  • Magnetics / instrumentation*
  • Phantoms, Imaging