MRI scanners are invaluable tools used by healthcare professionals to study the human body in great detail. However, there is still room for improvement in the technology. One of the main issues with MRI scans is the errors and disturbances caused by fluctuations in the strong magnetic fields inside the scanners. Regular calibration of these expensive machines is required to reduce errors, and special scanning methods like spiral sequences are not currently feasible due to unstable magnetic fields.
The new sensor prototype developed by a researcher at the University of Copenhagen and Hvidovre Hospital aims to address these challenges. The sensor uses laser light in fiber cables and a small glass container filled with gas to detect changes in the magnetic field without interference. By mapping disturbances in the magnetic field, the sensor can potentially correct errors in MRI images and improve imaging quality. The possibilities of using the sensor include making MRI scans cheaper, faster, or better quality, depending on the desired outcome.
The prototype works by sending laser light through fiber optic cables into sensors located within the MRI scanner. The light passes through a glass container containing caesium gas, which changes its frequency when exposed to a magnetic field. This allows the sensor to measure the magnetic field strength quickly and accurately. The sensor has been tested at DRCMR at Hvidovre Hospital and has shown promising results in detecting and mapping errors in MRI scans.
The immediate target group for the sensor is MRI research units, but the researcher also hopes that large MRI manufacturers will be interested in integrating the technology into new scanners. Further development of the sensor is necessary to collect more data and fine-tune its measurements to make a significant difference in MRI imaging. The inventor envisions the sensor as a valuable tool for improving MRI scans and benefiting both healthcare professionals and patients.
MRI scanners are highly complex machines that rely on quantum mechanics, superconducting magnets, and advanced mathematics to function. The machines use powerful magnets to align protons in the body’s molecules with the magnetic field, allowing for the production of detailed 3D images of soft tissue. Safety precautions must be followed, as the strong magnetic field of MRI scanners can pose risks to individuals and objects with metal components.
Overall, the new sensor prototype developed for MRI scanners shows great potential in improving the quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness of MRI scans. By accurately detecting and mapping errors in MRI images, the sensor has the ability to correct these errors and provide healthcare professionals with more reliable imaging. With further development and integration into new MRI scanners, the sensor has the opportunity to revolutionize the field of medical imaging and benefit both healthcare providers and patients.
