Researchers at NIST have developed a new type of magnetometer that could revolutionize the detection of brain waves. The device, called a micro-optical-pumped magnetometer (µOPM), uses a cloud of rubidium atoms to detect extremely weak magnetic fields generated by neural activity in the brain. This could lead to more accurate and portable brain imaging devices, potentially enabling the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that don’t show up on conventional MRI scans.
The µOPM works by measuring the effect of magnetic fields on the spin orientation of rubidium atoms, which is detected through changes in the polarization of a laser beam. This approach offers several advantages over traditional SQUID-based detectors, including lower cost, room-temperature operation, and the ability to be miniaturized for portable use.
While the technology is still in the prototype stage, researchers are optimistic about its potential impact on various fields, including medical diagnostics, navigation, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The next steps involve improving the device’s sensitivity and noise rejection, as well as developing flexible systems that can be adapted to different head shapes and sizes.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2016/07/detecting-brain-waves-atomic-vapor
Keywords: rubidium, superconducting, ion, SQUID, magnetic
