Hall Probe Simulator and EPR Coil Driver for Signal Deconvolution
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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 Imaging (NMRI).
Innovation Solution
The development of a Hall Probe simulator and EPR coil driver systems, including time-domain full scan sinusoidal deconvolution methods, to simulate magnetic fields and reduce RF/microwave power usage, allowing for more efficient EPR signal processing and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 effective EPR imaging by extending the time window for detecting excited electrons and reducing power requirements, improving the imaging process while maintaining signal integrity.
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
Implementation Method 2
a current sensor configured to sense the coil current in a coil magnet that produces a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed to simulate a 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. Embodiments of the invention also disclose a coil driver and a new technique for EPR deconvolution.