Transforming and comparing data between standard SQUID and OPM-MEG systems

PLoS One. 2022 Jan 19;17(1):e0262669. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262669. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) have recently become so sensitive that they are suitable for use in magnetoencephalography (MEG). These sensors solve operational problems of the current standard MEG, where superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) gradiometers and magnetometers are being used. The main advantage of OPMs is that they do not require cryogenics for cooling. Therefore, they can be placed closer to the scalp and are much easier to use. Here, we measured auditory evoked fields (AEFs) with both SQUID- and OPM-based MEG systems for a group of subjects to better understand the usage of a limited sensor count OPM-MEG. We present a theoretical framework that transforms the within subject data and equivalent simulation data from one MEG system to the other. This approach works on the principle of solving the inverse problem with one system, and then using the forward model to calculate the magnetic fields expected for the other system. For the source reconstruction, we used a minimum norm estimate (MNE) of the current distribution. Two different volume conductor models were compared: the homogeneous conducting sphere and the three-shell model of the head. The transformation results are characterized by a relative error and cross-correlation between the measured and the estimated magnetic field maps of the AEFs. The results for both models are encouraging. Since some commercial OPMs measure multiple components of the magnetic field simultaneously, we additionally analyzed the effect of tangential field components. Overall, our dual-axis OPM-MEG with 15 sensors yields similar information to a 62-channel SQUID-MEG with its field of view restricted to the right hemisphere.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetoencephalography / methods*
  • Magnetometry / methods*
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Superconductivity

Grants and funding

UM and VJ received funding by the Slovenian Research Agency (research core funding No. P2-0348 and Slovenian-German exchange program, BI-DE/18-19-003). TS received funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (Slovenian-German exchange program, DAAD ID: 57402032). TS and AJW received funding from the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR – EURAMET), grant number 15HLT03 Ears II. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.