Atomic magnetometers for health & security
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Biomagnetic signals cover the frequency range from near zero to radio frequencies in the case of magnetic resonance signal induced in high bias fields. In terms of the measurable signals they range from about 1 fT (brain) to 100 pT Hz-1/2 (heart). NPL has developed a configuration of atomic magnetometer that enables measurements of the magnetic field with fT Hz-1/2 sensitivity over a wide frequency range without cryogenics required for commercial system based on SQUIDs. The overall aim is to develop a novel, commercially attractive, system for measuring biomagnetic signals in a number of key, clinically important, applications.
The first part of the work will include studies of the methods for vector magnetic field measurement. The second part will encompass exploration of the multichannel operation. The third part involves studies of the quantum-enhanced techniques ofr improvement of sensor performance.
The first part of the work will include studies of the methods for vector magnetic field measurement. The second part will encompass exploration of the multichannel operation. The third part involves studies of the quantum-enhanced techniques ofr improvement of sensor performance.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Paul Griffin (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Patrick Bevington (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/P51066X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1775391 | Studentship | EP/P51066X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/12/2020 | Patrick Bevington |
| Description | Collaboration with UCL for rf magnetometery work on corrosion under insulation |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Used our magnetometer setup to identify structural features in steel samples which UCL had been unable to detect. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Informed us of the underlying principles of this measurement technique and contributed to writing a paper. |
| Impact | Wrote a paper detailing methodology which was developed together and novel results imaging defects in steelwork with an atomic magnetometer. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Collaboration with University of Nottingham for magnetic simulation (as of yet unpublished) |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Carried out experimental tests of the change in geometry of a magnetic induction tomography configuration. The orientation of the coil used to induce the magnetic field was aligned parallel and perpendicular to the surface normal of the object which changes the distribution of the response magnetic field. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The group at Nottingham carried out numerical simulations, confirming these results. |
| Impact | This work has contributed to a publication that is currently in review (03/2020). |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Quantum Showcase |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Showcase of the current a development of quantum technologies from and from the point of view of industrial applications and product development. The event was attended primarily by researchers, industrial companies and policymakers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | http://uknqt.epsrc.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/ |