PTB Successfully Tests Chip-Scale Atomic Magnetometer Sensor

Scientists from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) report successful testing of a new mini magnetic sensor for measuring brain activity. The sensor holds potential for medical applications including neurological diagnostics.

Magnetsensor Lineal

The Chip-scale Atomic Magnetometer (CSAM) sensor was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA. PTB and NIST are collaborating in this study. PTB is contributing its experience in conducting biomagnetic measurements in magnetically shielded rooms.

The CSAM sensor was tested by PTB in its magnetically shielded room, where it passed tests for detecting stimulated and spontaneous magnetic fields of the brain. This sensor can operate at room temperature, which is a significant advantage over cryoelectronics that require complex cooling. Absorption changes that occur due to magnetic fields within a Rubidium gas cell are measured using miniaturized optics by the CSAM sensor. The study results were published in the Biomedical Optics Express journal.

As part of the study, the scientists placed the sensor at a distance of 4 mm from the head of a person. They detected magnetic fields of alpha waves behind the head. These alpha waves are a basic brain rhythm that occurs when a person relaxes. The scientists also identified brain fields that occur due to tactile stimuli processing. The study results were confirmed through a magnetoencephalography (MEG) measurement using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) technology. MEG measurements provide an indication of age dependent brain diseases and psychiatric disorders.

SQUIDs have been considered as the gold standard for measurement of very weak magnetic fields. These cryoelectronic sensors require very low operating temperatures that make them comparatively less versatile and more expensive than CSAMs. The present CSAMs are comparatively less sensitive, but they may be improved to provide better readings at lower costs.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Kaur, Kalwinder. (2019, February 24). PTB Successfully Tests Chip-Scale Atomic Magnetometer Sensor. AZoSensors. Retrieved on October 11, 2024 from https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=4266.

  • MLA

    Kaur, Kalwinder. "PTB Successfully Tests Chip-Scale Atomic Magnetometer Sensor". AZoSensors. 11 October 2024. <https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=4266>.

  • Chicago

    Kaur, Kalwinder. "PTB Successfully Tests Chip-Scale Atomic Magnetometer Sensor". AZoSensors. https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=4266. (accessed October 11, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Kaur, Kalwinder. 2019. PTB Successfully Tests Chip-Scale Atomic Magnetometer Sensor. AZoSensors, viewed 11 October 2024, https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=4266.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.