Optically pumped magnetometer arrays for magnetoencephalography (OPMMEG)

Optically-pumped magnetometers (OPM) to be utilized in magnetoencephalography (MEG), which is a noninvasive imaging technique for investing human brain functions, have been developed in EU-OPMMEG project. MEG operates by detecting magnetic fields naturally produced by the brain, with no applied fields or injections. Typical applications are epilepsy and mild traumatic brain injuries. OPMs are a cryogen-free quantum sensor technology with extraordinary magnetic sensitivity. The sensor array needs a high-power vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and high-quality miniaturized sensor package. As a final outcome, a helmet with OPM sensors placed close to each other will be demonstrated. The project brings together world leaders in quantum sensor components and systems, commercial MEG systems and MEG applications.