Improving Sensitivity and Bandwidth of Optically Pumped Magnetometers for Multimodal Systems

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H03807
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90110:Biomedical engineering-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Ito Yosuke 京都大学, 工学研究科, 講師 (20589189)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 光ポンピング磁気センサ / 生体磁気計測 / MRI / マルチモーダルシステム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We improved the sensitivity and expanded the bandwidth of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) to achieve a multimodal MEG/MRI system. For bandwidth expansion using a hybrid cell, we investigated the changes in bandwidth due to the encapsulation ratio of alkali metal atoms. Additionally, we proposed M-sequence modulation as a method for multi-point measurement and verified its effectiveness. From a software perspective, we explored noise reduction techniques, applying empirical mode decomposition to OPM signals and validating its effectiveness. Furthermore, we theoretically and experimentally examined scalar OPMs, investigating their operating conditions. Finally, we developed a prototype of the MEG/MRI system and confirmed the feasibility of a multimodal system.

Free Research Field

生体磁気計測

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

光ポンピング磁気センサは，超高感度な磁気センサとして近年非常に注目を集めているが，その計測感度のみが注目を集めており，その特性の詳細な検討や他のモダリティへの応用についての検討が少ないのが実情である．本研究では，MEG/MRIのマルチモーダルシステムの試作も行っており，このシステムにより生体磁気計測の普及と生体活動の詳細なデータの取得に貢献できる．本研究の進展により，光ポンピング磁気センサの可能性を広げ，生体磁気計測の分野のみならず，他の分野，モダリティへと波及が期待できる．