Susceptibility-Matched Magnetic Field Probe Jacket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field probes for magnetic resonance applications face challenges such as short signal lifetimes due to susceptibility mismatches between materials, leading to field inhomogeneities and impractical liquid enclosures, which limit their accuracy and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field probe with a solid jacket made from a hardened two-component epoxy system containing a paramagnetic dopant, matching the magnetic susceptibility of the conductive structure, allowing for longer-lived signals and compact, easy-to-handle designs with uniform susceptibility environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small probe sample volume is used to avoid dephasing by external gradients, then spatial resolution is improved, but signal strength decreases and signal lifetime is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic susceptibility parameter of the jacket material by doping with paramagnetic substances (Fe3O4, MnO2, or Gd2O3) to match the susceptibility of the conductive structure. This parameter adjustment eliminates susceptibility mismatch-induced field inhomogeneities, thereby extending signal lifetime while maintaining the small sample volume for spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a two-component epoxy system combined with paramagnetic dopants (Fe3O4, MnO2, or Gd2O3). This composite approach creates a jacket material with tailored magnetic susceptibility that matches the conductive structure, resolving the contradiction between small sample size and signal lifetime.
2Power
If the probe sample is tightly mounted in the receiver coil to extract strong signals, then signal strength is improved, but magnetic field variations are induced by nearby material interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves magnetic field homogeneity by matching the magnetic susceptibility of the jacket material to that of the conductive structure. This eliminates susceptibility mismatch at the material interface, preventing magnetic field variations while allowing tight mounting of the probe sample for strong signal extraction.
3Duration of action of moving object
If susceptibility matching techniques are employed to reduce field inhomogeneities, then signal lifetime is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional materials and manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite two-component epoxy system doped with paramagnetic substances that can be easily mixed and cured. This approach achieves susceptibility matching through a straightforward manufacturing process, minimizing device complexity while extending signal lifetime.
4Ease of manufacture
If liquid materials are used for enclosing the probe sample, then ease of manufacture is improved, but practicality deteriorates due to impractical enclosures and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the epoxy material from liquid (during manufacturing) to solid (after curing). This allows easy encasement of the probe sample in liquid form, followed by solidification to create a reliable, leak-proof, and practical enclosure.
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 solution significantly extends the lifetime of resonance signals and enhances the accuracy of magnetic field measurements by eliminating susceptibility mismatches, enabling precise magnetic field monitoring and improved sensitivity for miniaturized devices.
Implementation Method 1
the jacket having a magnetic susceptibility that is substantially identical to the magnetic susceptibility of the conductive structure; wherein the jacket is made of a hardened two-component epoxy system containing a paramagnetic dopant dissolved therein
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance in a small sample volume of an MR active substance. Upon MR excitation of the object of interest, there is a concomitant MR excitation of the substance within the probe, the resonance frequency of which is proportional to the magnitude of the local magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the jacket is made of a hardened two-component epoxy system containing a paramagnetic dopant dissolved therein
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A magnetic field probe comprises a sample (4) that exhibits magnetic resonance at an operating frequency, an electrically conductive structure (8) surrounding the sample for receiving a magnetic resonance signal therefrom, and a solid jacket (12) encasing the sample and the conductive structure. The jacket is made of a hardened two-component epoxy system containing a paramagnetic dopant dissolved therein, with the concentration of the dopant being chosen such that the jacket has a magnetic susceptibility that is substantially identical to the magnetic susceptibility of the conductive structure.