Digital SQUID Array for Portable Low-Field MRI System for Combat Diagnostics

Hypres is pleased to submit this proposal to continue its Phase II SBIR program and complete the development of a combat-area portable digital MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) system capable of high-resolution Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) diagnosis in field hospitals. This sequential Phase IIc SBIR program will produce and demonstrate a near production ready state-of-the-art portable MRI system at low magnetic fields (~0.1T) for brain imaging. The first generation prototype, being completed under the current base Phase II SBIR is focused on a small bore system (1 channel, 100mm magnet bore), to prove feasibility, followed by a system for brain imaging under this Phase IIc program (16 channels, 30cm magnet bore). Hypres, using its novel and proprietary superconductor electronics, intends to be the first company to develop and commercialize a compact, transportable, and high-resolution digital MRI system for use in both military and civilian applications. Portability and ruggedization will enable a practical MRI as the diagnostic tool for field hospitals, expanding neural and general MRI diagnoses to the battle field. The original proposal submitted to ONR, encompassed a base and an option part. The work proposed in this Phase IIc application is the option statement of work under the original proposal.