CyroSQUID: A SQUID-Based Magnetic Field Sensor

摘要

A new type of neuromagnetometer has been developed to enhance the capability for measuring the magnetic field of the human brain. This system - known as CryoSQUID - results from the marriage of two advanced technologies: a refrigerator incorporating closed-cycle operation of a pair of cryocoolers and a sensor incorporating the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The apparatus is relatively small and requires no supply of liquid helium for initial cooling or operation. Only a source of electrical power is needed. Each sensor relies on a detection coil wound in the geometry of a second-order gradiometer so as to minimize the effects of ambient magnetic noise found in typical unshielded environments. The intrinsic noise level of CryoSQUID is comparable to a magnetic field sensitivity of 20 femtotesla within a one-hertz bandwidth. Residual noise at 1.2 Hz and its harmonics, contributed by the displacer in the Gifford-McMahon cooler, is virtually eliminated in real time by an adaptive filter run on a personal computer.