Hall Probe Simulator Circuit for EPR Signal Deconvolution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) imaging faces challenges due to short electron relaxation times and high power requirements, limiting its effectiveness compared to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging, particularly in terms of signal detection time and power absorption.

Innovation Solution

The development of a Hall Probe simulator and EPR coil driver systems that simulate magnetic fields and deconvolute EPR signals using time-domain full scan sinusoidal methods, reducing the need for high power amplifiers and improving signal detection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional EPR measurement techniques are used, then electron spin resonance signals can be detected, but the short electron relaxation time (microseconds or less) limits the detection time window significantly compared to NMR

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron spin detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection time window
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed microwave excitation followed by detection during the echo train, creating repeated measurement opportunities within the short relaxation time window. The pulse sequence allows multiple echoes to be detected sequentially, maximizing information extraction from each excitation cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary gradient echo acquisition and signal deconvolution to extract T2* information before the spins fully relax. By processing the echo train data through deconvolution algorithms, the system recovers spin echo signals that would otherwise be lost, effectively extending the usable detection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If large amounts of RF/microwave power are applied to achieve sufficient EPR signal, then signal detection sensitivity improves, but power absorption by the object increases and high power amplifiers become expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection sensitivityVSAvoidRF/microwave power absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct high-power microwave detection with an indirect measurement approach using gradient echoes and deconvolution processing. This substitutes the need for high-power amplifiers with a signal processing-based solution that achieves equivalent sensitivity with lower power input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates gradient echo copies of the original spin signal that can be detected with lower power. By encoding spin information into gradient-induced phase variations and then decoding them, the system generates detectable signal copies without requiring high microwave power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These systems enable more efficient EPR imaging by simulating magnetic fields without actual Hall probes and deconvoluting rapid scan EPR signals, enhancing signal detection and reducing power requirements, thus overcoming the limitations of short electron relaxation times and high power absorption.

Implementation Method 1

The controller can be configured to determine a Hall Effect voltage from a function of the coil current and the reference current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

a current sensor configured to sense the coil current in a coil magnet that produces a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12000920B2Hall probe simulator circuit
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
  • US12000920B2 patent drawing
  • US12000920B2 patent drawing
  • US12000920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A simulated Hall probe, provide EPR coil driver, and/or perform a time-domain full scan sinusoidal deconvolution of EPR signals. The simulated Hall probe can return a Hall Effect voltage from a coil current that creates a magnetic field within a coil magnet and the reference current that would be fed to an actual Hall probe. From these values, the Hall Effective voltage can be determined which can be used to determine the magnetic field flux, which can then be used to regulate the magnetic field.