Superconducting Probe for Clinical NMR Microscopy

This project will create a commercially available system for performing improved NMRM (nuclearmagnetic resonance microscopy) histology studies. The system is comprised of a thin-film trans-mit/received coil of YBCO (Y1Ba2Cu3O7), a high-temperature superconductor (HTS). The YBCO coilwill provide an improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of as much as a factor of 100. This SNR gaincan be used to obtain greater spatial resolution or, alternatively, to reduce the theoretical time neededto acquire an image by as much as 10,000. Consequently, histologic studies that a present take 24-36hours can be performed in less than 30 minutes, making clinical application possible. A workingprototype system has already been created. This system uses open cycle cooling of a YBCO coil in a7-T field and demonstrates a 10-fold improvement in SNR. The proposed project will create acontinuously operating, closed-cycle, user-friendly unit. Phase I will address the detailed design criteriafor such a unit, including a detailed evaluation of commercial component parts. Phase II will focus onthe construction of the system. The end goal of Phase II is a system that will operate for at least 90days without significant maintenance.