Optically Pumped Magnetometer Array Shielding for Biomagnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in effectively sensing and measuring dynamic magnetic fields associated with mammalian tissues, such as those found in the heart and brain, due to environmental noise and the need for sensitive yet portable measurement tools.
Innovation Solution
The development of a portable device equipped with an array of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and a shield to attenuate ambient magnetic fields, allowing for precise sensing of magnetic fields associated with various tissues and organs in individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable device with OPM array is used to sense magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for shielding and signal filtering systems
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a portable base unit, an extendable arm with magnetometer array, and separate shielding elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through the OPM array while managing device complexity through modular design, where each component can be independently optimized and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic shielding elements are introduced as intermediary components between the OPM array and the external environment. These shields attenuate ambient magnetic field noise, enabling the sensitive OPM sensors to detect weak biomagnetic signals with high precision while the shielding system manages the complexity by isolating the sensing array from environmental interference.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic shielding is added to attenuate environmental noise, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic shielding is applied locally around the OPM array and critical sensing areas rather than enclosing the entire device. This localized shielding approach attenuates environmental magnetic noise near the sensors, improving signal-to-noise ratio, while minimizing the overall device complexity and size by avoiding unnecessary shielding in non-critical regions.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed to be portable and movable, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental magnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a movable extendable arm with articulation joints and a portable base unit with wheels. This dynamic design enables the device to be easily positioned and moved for ease of operation, while the magnetic shielding components dynamically attenuate environmental noise during measurement, allowing the system to achieve both portability and measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If an array of OPMs is used to conform to body surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The OPM array is segmented into multiple individual sensor elements distributed across the extendable arm, with each sensor capable of independent operation and signal processing. This segmentation enables high spatial resolution by conforming to body surfaces, while the modular sensor architecture manages complexity through parallel processing capabilities and distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The OPM array system is designed with universal signal processing capabilities that can handle data from multiple sensors simultaneously. The processing system performs common tasks such as noise filtering, signal alignment, and source localization across all sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the multi-functional processing architecture.
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
This solution enables the accurate sensing and filtering of magnetic field data, reducing environmental noise and allowing for the generation of visual representations of magnetic field activity, which can be used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
Implementation Method 1
an array of one or more optically pumped magnetometer(s) coupled to the distal end of the arm, the optically pumped magnetometer array configured to sense the magnetic field associated with the individual
Implementation Method 2
the device comprises a shield configured to attenuate a magnetic field or fields associated with an environment
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and systems as described herein is configured to sense a signal, such as a signal from an individual. In some embodiments, a signal is a magnetic field. In some embodiments, a source of a signal is an individuals organ, such as a heart muscle. A device or system, in some embodiments, comprises one or more sensors, such as an array of sensors configured to sense the signal. A device or system, in some embodiments, comprises a shield or portion thereof to reduce noise and enhance signal collection.