# Non-cryogenic Fieldable Interleaved Magnetoencephalography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging based on Multichannel Atomic Magnetometers

> **NIH NIH R01** · TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC · 2024 · $289,275

## Abstract

This proposal aims to develop a first non-cryogenic fieldable multichannel system to enable interleaved
measurements of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the ultra-low field (ULF) regime (<< 1 T) and magneto-
encephalography (MEG) of the human brain. The combination of the two modalities is uniquely capable of linking
the sources of biomagnetic brain activity (MEG) to the specific anatomical brain structure (ULF MRI) with both
excellent temporal and spatial resolution. In addition, the combination essentially eliminates co-registration errors
based on the common MEG-MRI coordinate system. This advanced biomedical technology will enhance
understanding of human brain function, aid in diagnosis and treatment of multiple brain disorders such as the
epileptic focus, and improve neurosurgical planning. Previously, the MEG-MRI combination was realized only
using multiple cryogenic superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors. However, the demand
for cryo-cooling and a shielded room is a major drawback. We will build a more practical device by replacing
SQUIDs with a novel type of atomic magnetometers (AMs). Based on lasers and alkali-metal vapor cells, AMs
are currently the most sensitive cryogen-free magnetic sensors. Specific aims are to: (1) Develop an original
compact 16-channel AM module for MEG. It delivers a large number of sensing channels based on a single large
vapor cell and two broad nearly parallel laser beams. This new approach leads to significant cost reduction
compared to commercial SQUID-based MEG systems. (2) Construct a wearable full-head MEG helmet. We will
produce 15–20 compact AM MEG modules for mounting on a helmet for full-head coverage with up to 320
channels. Due to the laser-to-fiber coupling, the module positions will be adjustable for different head geometries
for closer proximity of sensors to the head. This will result in improved localization and sensitivity. We will obtain
functional brain maps with the MEG helmet. (3) Construct a new multichannel ULF MRI device based on a single-
module multichannel AM coupled to multiple flux transformers (FTs). For MRI, the AM design will be modified to
allow orthogonal laser beams, and a bias magnetic field will be applied to tune the AM to target MRI frequencies
of ~200 kHz. Each FT will be composed of two connected coils, one located near the human head and the other
near the AM vapor cell, to transfer MRI signals to the AM. The FT coils can be flexibly arranged around the
human head to enhance an MRI signal. We will demonstrate ULF MRI measurements of the human head with
an optimized FT array. (4) Combine the full-head MEG helmet and the ULF MRI device in a single instrument.
The combination will be achieved by attaching the MRI FT coils to the MEG helmet. The device will be installed
in a shielded room for a proof of feasibility and then in a human-sized cylindrical mu-metal magnetic shield for
enabling mobile applications. We will perform interleaved imaging of...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10772146
- **Project number:** 5R01EB032895-03
- **Recipient organization:** TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Young Jin Kim
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $289,275
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2026-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10772146

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10772146, Non-cryogenic Fieldable Interleaved Magnetoencephalography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging based on Multichannel Atomic Magnetometers (5R01EB032895-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10772146. Licensed CC0.

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