NIST has developed a miniaturized atomic magnetometer that can measure magnetic activity in the human brain. The sensor, about the size of a sugar cube, consists of 100 billion rubidium atoms, a low-power infrared laser, and fiber optics. It successfully measured alpha waves in the brain associated with eye opening and closing, as well as signals from hand stimulation.
The NIST sensor is slightly less sensitive than the current “gold standard” SQUID magnetometers, but has potential advantages in size, portability, and cost. It operates at room temperature, unlike SQUIDs which require cryogenic cooling. This could enable lightweight, flexible MEG helmets for use in hospitals and sports teams.
NIST scientists are working on improving the sensor’s performance and developing a multi-sensor imaging system for clinical applications.
Keywords: Magnetometer, Biomedical, Magnetic, Sensitivity, Metrology
