Publications by authors named "David Woolger"
Wearable magnetoencephalography in a lightly shielded environment.
IEEE Trans Biomed Eng
September 2024
Wearable magnetoencephalography based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG) offers non-invasive and high-fidelity measurement of human brain electrophysiology. The flexibility of OPM-MEG also means it can be deployed in participants of all ages and permits scanning during movement. However, the magnetic fields generated by neuronal currents - which form the basis of the OPM-MEG signal - are much smaller than environmental fields, and this means measurements are highly sensitive to interference.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Magnetically Shielded Rooms (MSRs) are used to block external magnetic fields, crucial for precise measurements in techniques like magnetoencephalography (MEG).
- Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) enable wearable MEG technology, but they require strict magnetic shielding to function properly.
- The new lightweight MSR design greatly reduces weight and size, while also introducing a 'window coil' system to optimize shielding, making it more cost-effective and easier to install for broad adoption of OPM-MEG.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been revolutionised by optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). "OPM-MEG" offers higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution, and lower cost than conventional instrumentation based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Moreover, because OPMs are small, lightweight, and portable they offer the possibility of lifespan compliance and (with control of background field) motion robustness, dramatically expanding the range of MEG applications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNon-invasive imaging has transformed neuroscientific discovery and clinical practice, providing a non-invasive window into the human brain. However, whilst techniques like MRI generate ever more precise images of brain structure, in many cases, it's the within neural networks that underlies disease. Here, we review the potential for quantum-enabled magnetic field sensors to shed light on such activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOptically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are highly sensitive, compact magnetic field sensors, which offer a viable alternative to cryogenic sensors (superconducting quantum interference devices - SQUIDs) for magnetoencephalography (MEG). With the promise of a wearable system that offers lifespan compliance, enables movement during scanning, and provides higher quality data, OPMs could drive a step change in MEG instrumentation. However, this potential can only be realised if background magnetic fields are appropriately controlled, via a combination of optimised passive magnetic screening (i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Recent advancements in quantum technologies using cold atoms have led to devices with exceptional measurement capabilities, but they require downsizing for practical use.
- This study demonstrates the application of additive manufacturing, specifically laser powder bed fusion, to create critical components for quantum sensors, including magnetic shielding and vacuum chambers.
- Prototypes exhibit promising results, with magnetic shielding performing nearly as well as traditional methods, and 3D-printed titanium structures achieving effective vacuum levels, indicating potential for compact and efficient designs in cold atom quantum technologies.