Quantum Sensor-Integrated MRI Coil Assembly for Low-Noise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face challenges with noisy acquired signals due to macroscopic material imperfections, limited sensitivity, and the need for different coil designs for varying field strengths, leading to suboptimal imaging quality, especially in mid and low field MRIs.
Innovation Solution
A quantum sensor-integrated MRI coil assembly utilizing quantum sensors, such as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, to detect magnetic and electric fields, combined with radio frequency coils for excitation, transmitting optical signals through fiber optic cables to an optical signal processing unit for digitization and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If classical coil designs are used for MRI signal reception, then the system can operate with conventional hardware, but the signal-to-noise ratio is limited and sensitivity is constrained by macroscopic material imperfections and hardware properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces classical electromagnetic coil reception systems with quantum sensor-based detection. Quantum sensors utilize quantum mechanical effects (such as superconducting qubits or nitrogen-vacancy centers) to detect magnetic resonance signals, achieving photon-counting level sensitivity and orders of magnitude improvement in signal-to-noise ratio while eliminating macroscopic material imperfections that limit conventional coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters of the detection system by transitioning from classical electromagnetic induction to quantum measurement processes. This includes operating at quantum-level sensitivity thresholds and utilizing quantum state manipulation to achieve unprecedented signal detection capabilities beyond the limits of classical hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different coil designs are used for different field strength MRIs, then the system can be optimized for specific field strengths, but the device complexity increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal quantum sensor platforms that can operate across multiple field strengths (including mid and low field MRIs) without requiring separate coil designs. The quantum sensors are designed to be field-strength agnostic, providing consistent high-performance detection across varying magnetic field conditions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized coil systems.
3Reliability
If classical coils are used for MRI signal detection, then the system can operate with established technology, but sensitivity is limited by the acquisition hardware properties and microscopic pureness of material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces material-based classical coils with quantum sensor systems that are not subject to macroscopic material imperfections. Quantum sensors such as superconducting qubits or diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers operate based on quantum mechanical properties rather than classical electromagnetic induction through imperfect conductors, thereby eliminating noise sources related to material purity and hardware properties.
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 high-resolution imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity, allowing for accurate detection of magnetic resonance signals across various field strengths, including mid and low field MRIs, with reduced noise and enhanced patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
quantum sensing, possibly enabling 'photon-counting' level sensitivity in MRI and orders of magnitude signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increase. The quantum sensors may be MR-safe and non-coupling, using quantized energy levels of highly excited atoms (e.g., Rydberg-states) to detect even very weak fields and perturbations with high sensitivity
Implementation Method 2
Each radio frequency coil of the set of one or more radio frequency coils is configured to perform radio frequency excitation in an object or subject. The radio frequency excitation is performed for inducing a magnetic resonance signal from the object
Implementation Method 3
Each quantum sensor of the set of one or more quantum sensors is configured to provide an optical signal representing the MRI signal through an optical link
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil assembly comprising: a set of one or more quantum sensors and associated set of one or more radio frequency coils respectively, wherein each radio frequency coil of the set of one or more radio frequency coils is configured to perform radio frequency excitation in an object to be imaged for inducing a magnetic resonance signal from the object; wherein each quantum sensor of the set of one or more quantum sensors is configured to receive a signal induced by the magnetic resonance signal in the respective radio frequency coil and provide an optical signal representing the MRI signal through an optical link. The MRI coil assembly comprises an optical signal processing unit that is configured to receive through the optical links the one or more optical signals and to digitize the one or more optical signals.