Optically Pumped Magnetometer Array for Cardiac Biomagnetic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods for sensing dynamic magnetic fields associated with mammalian tissue, particularly for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions, due to interference from ambient magnetic noise and the need for cryogenic cooling in existing sensors.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system comprising a movable base unit, an articulating arm with optically pumped magnetometers, and an electromagnetic shield to isolate and sense magnetic fields from specific body parts, such as the chest, while filtering out ambient noise and operating without cryogenic cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing magnetic field sensors are used to sense dynamic magnetic fields associated with mammalian tissue, then magnetic field detection is possible, but ambient magnetic noise interferes with measurement precision and cryogenic cooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the biomagnetic sensor and ambient magnetic noise sources. The shield selectively attenuates external magnetic field interference while allowing the detection of weak biomagnetic fields from mammalian tissue, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring cryogenic cooling conditions
2Measurement precision
If existing magnetic field sensors are used, then magnetic field sensing is possible, but cryogenic cooling is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cryogenic cooling system with an optically pumped magnetometer that operates at room temperature. This substitution eliminates complex cooling infrastructure while maintaining high-sensitivity magnetic field detection capabilities through optical pumping mechanisms that excite atomic transitions for magnetic field measurement
3Adaptability or versatility
If ambient magnetic noise is present, then general environmental sensing is possible, but diagnostic accuracy for cardiac conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shield provides localized magnetic field attenuation specifically in the region where biomagnetic sensing occurs. This creates a magnetically protected zone around the sensor while maintaining environmental adaptability elsewhere, enabling accurate cardiac condition diagnostics by filtering out ambient noise from the specific measurement location without compromising overall system versatility
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
Enables non-invasive, passive measurement of cardiac magnetic fields, reducing noise interference and eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and monitoring capabilities for cardiac conditions.
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
a shield configured to attenuate a magnetic field or fields associated with an environment
Data Source
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 individual's 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.