HTS SQUID Array Biomagnetic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field biosensors, such as MEG and MRI, face limitations including rigid sensor placement, high costs, and lack of portability due to weight and form factor, as well as the need for magnetically shielded environments and low operating temperatures, which restrict their ability to detect biomagnetic signals with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Innovation Solution
A portable biomagnetic signal detection device utilizing High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Josephson Junction arrays in a SQUID array configuration, which can operate at liquid nitrogen temperatures, reducing the need for extensive shielding and allowing closer proximity to the subject, enabling detection of small magnetic fields in unshielded environments with high sensitivity and broadband characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional SQUID sensors are used for biomagnetic detection, then magnetic field sensitivity can be achieved (detecting fields as low as 10^-15 Tesla), but the devices require magnetically shielded environments and liquid helium cryogenics, resulting in rigid sensor placement, high costs, and lack of portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional low-temperature superconductors requiring liquid helium (4K) to high-temperature superconductors operating at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77K). This parameter change in operating temperature enables portable operation without massive shielded rooms while maintaining SQUID sensitivity levels, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive liquid helium cryogenics with cheaper liquid nitrogen cooling. This substitution reduces operational costs and simplifies the cryogenic infrastructure required, making the system more portable and accessible while maintaining the necessary low-temperature operation for superconductivity
2Measurement precision
If MEG systems use traditional SQUID arrays, then biomagnetic signals can be detected with high sensitivity, but the systems require expensive magnetic shielded rooms and have rigid sensor placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating temperature parameter from 4K (liquid helium) to 77K (liquid nitrogen), the system can operate without expensive magnetic shielded rooms. The higher operating temperature reduces environmental sensitivity, allowing flexible sensor placement and eliminating the need for complex shielding infrastructure while maintaining detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs arrays of micro-fabricated SQUID circuits that can be configured in different geometries and connected in various ways (series, parallel, or mixed). This segmentation allows the sensor array to be tailored to specific application requirements, providing both high sensitivity and placement flexibility without requiring rigid uniform configurations
3Measurement precision
If conventional SQUIDs are used, then femto-Tesla magnetic field detection is possible, but the devices operate at very low temperatures requiring liquid helium and extensive shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating temperature parameter from 4K to 77K by using high-temperature superconducting materials. This parameter change eliminates the need for liquid helium and complex cryogenic systems while maintaining the superconducting state necessary for femto-Tesla magnetic field detection, directly resolving the temperature-related contradictions
4Measurement precision
If MEG systems are designed for high sensitivity detection, then biomagnetic signals can be measured accurately, but the systems become expensive and immobile due to weight and form factor
Solution Approach 1:
By operating at 77K instead of 4K, the system eliminates the need for heavy liquid helium dewars and extensive magnetic shielding infrastructure. The simplified cryogenic system using liquid nitrogen reduces overall system weight and form factor, enabling portability while maintaining high measurement precision through the inherent sensitivity of SQUID arrays
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
The device achieves enhanced sensitivity and portability, allowing for non-invasive detection of biomagnetic signals at depths and frequencies beyond current capabilities, providing a more detailed picture of brain and body functions while reducing logistical and cost barriers.
Implementation Method 1
Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) arrays have been proposed in the prior art for utilization as radio frequency (RF) magnetic field detectors
Implementation Method 2
SQAs can consist of Josephson Junctions (JJs), or any other arrays of elements based on superconductivity that provide constructive interference patterns between the elements
Implementation Method 3
The invention pertains to sensors that leverage cryogenics and quantum sensor technology to develop a portable biomagnetic signal detection device
Implementation Method 4
A vacuum valve can be connected to the cooler assembly and the probe assembly for establishing a vacuum in the cavity around the probe assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A biosignal measuring device that can include at least one Super-conducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) array (SQA) of High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Josephson Junctions (JJs). The HTS JJs operating parameters can be adjusted to establish an anti-peak response for the SQA, that can be at a maximum along a defined response axis, for detection of extremely small biomagnetic fields. For operation, the SQA can be maneuvered around a target area of a stationary subject that is emitting biomagnetic signals using a stand with three degrees of freedom, so that the response axis remains orthogonal to the subject target area. The device can further include a radome with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) window on the radome surface. The radome ALD surface can allow for passage of magnetic signals through the ALD window and radome, while simultaneously preventing passage of infrared radiation therethrough.