Magnetocardiography measurements with 4He vector optically pumped magnetometers at room temperature

Phys Med Biol. 2017 Aug 21;62(18):7267-7279. doi: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa6459.

Abstract

In this paper, we present a proof of concept study which demonstrates for the first time the possibility of recording magnetocardiography (MCG) signals with 4He vector optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) operated in a gradiometer mode. Resulting from a compromise between sensitivity, size and operability in a clinical environment, the developed magnetometers are based on the parametric resonance of helium in a zero magnetic field. Sensors are operated at room temperature and provide a tri-axis vector measurement of the magnetic field. Measured sensitivity is around 210 f T (√Hz)-1 in the bandwidth (2 Hz; 300 Hz). MCG signals from a phantom and two healthy subjects are successfully recorded. Human MCG data obtained with the OPMs are compared to reference electrocardiogram recordings: similar heart rates, shapes of the main patterns of the cardiac cycle (P/T waves, QRS complex) and QRS widths are obtained with both techniques.

MeSH terms

  • Heart Rate
  • Helium*
  • Humans
  • Magnetocardiography / instrumentation*
  • Optical Phenomena*
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Helium