Resources
The Center provides imaging facilities and equipment for campus research programs. These facilities and equipment include:
3T Siemens Magnetom Allegra MR Headscanner
The 3T Allegra is a state-of-the-art system designed for neurological and cognitive fMRI studies. It is also utilized for engineering hardware and software development. The development environment for protocols and pulse sequences is fully integrated, allowing simulating, testing, and debugging of protocols and pulse sequences. In addition, the system supports real-time processing of BOLD studies with real-time motion detection, correction, and statistical evaluation. The system affords simultaneous MR and eye-tracking and optical imaging.
Three options are available for stimulus presentation: MR-compatible fiber-optic LCD goggle system with integrated eye tracker and pneumatic headphones designed by Magnetic Resonance Technology; an LCD flat screen stimulus-presentation goggle system with shielded electro-static headphones designed by Psychology Software Tools as part of their IFIS system; and a Proxima projection system used to rear-project images onto a specially treated mylar screen. Behavioral responses are collected using MR-compatible fiber-optic response buttons, response pads, or joysticks. An ASL Series 5000 remote optics eyetracker is also available.
3T Allegra Mock Magnet
The Center also has a subject preparation area and a mock 3T magnet that was custom-built to simulate the Allegra scanning experience in every way. It is utilized for studies requiring training, but not scanning in the magnet environment. It also provides subjects with the opportunity to habituate to the magnet environment prior to their participation in a particular study.
Varian/Spectroscopy Imaging Systems Corporation (SISCO) Imaging Spectrometer
The SISCO is a 4.7T imaging spectrometer with a 33cm bore. It has shielded gradients, a Doty scientific microprobe, and a number of custom built probes available for microscopy. Additional custom built gradient and RF coils are also available for use including a wide frequency range radiofrequency coil (14.4 cm i.d. and 20 cm length) that compared to a regular birdcage has improved RF field profile, higher Q-factor, better homogeneity, and a wider frequency range. It allows acquisition of 1H and 19F images with the use of only one coil. It also facilitates work with very large objects of high dielectric loss, a feature that is being used daily. A custom built rat-sized head 1H coil (4cm i.d. and 5 cm length) is also available.
Asymmetric CPMG spin-echo pulse sequences have been developed for the system. The sequences are designed to enhance susceptibility contrast in the T2(*)-weighted MRI images in inhomogeneous systems, containing magnetic nanoparticles.
600 MHz Varian MR System
The 14.1T Varian system consists of a vertical wide bore magnet (89mm) and a 600 MHz Varian Unity/Inova NMR spectrometer equipped with four identical receiver channels and gradient coils with maximum strength of 90 Gauss/cm. The instrument is capable of performing MR imaging and spectroscopic measurements. The maximum usable magnet diameter is 25mm. Besides the commercial 2.5 cm diameter RF coil available for proton imaging, the Center also has several custom built coils. The system is one of only seven such magnets in operation in the world.
Advanced AC magnetic field applicator for small animal hyperthermia treatment
This applicator was custom built specifically for small animal experiments. The applicator site has a gap height of 4 cm, which is suitable for treating mice and other small animals. The coil uses a solenoid made of 10 turns of copper tube (diameter, 6cm; Q~70 at f= 800KHz). The AC magnetic field frequency f ranges from 250KHz to 1MHz with a field amplitude of up to 10kA/m.
Low-magnetic field (5 ÷ 50 G) polarizer for gas and liquid DNP-enhanced MRI
The polarizer was custom built to improve sensitivity and spatial resolution of MR imaging. The technical innovation is a new DNP solid-gas polarization transfer approach for noble gas hyperpolarization. A key feature is the use of new high-spin-density solids with surface properties that make the polarization transfer most efficient. This device could be useful in diagnosing diseases such as lung cancer.
