Helium liquefier for human brain magnetometry

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The University of Montreal (UoM) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Laboratory enables cutting-edge non-invasive functional imaging of the human brain. The state-of-the-art MEG system at UoM enables measurements of brain activity that offers exquisite temporal resolution in comparison with other non-invasive imaging techniques based on the hemodynamic response, with superior spatial resolution than EEG. The UoM MEG lab enables a range of basic research including fundamental brain mechanisms of sleep, perception, cognition, memory, attention, decision making, at various stages of normal and abnormal development and aging. Applications include understanding mechanisms of brain plasticity in sensory deprivation, following injury (e.g., concussion), or various neurological disorders. The MEG Lab has an urgent need for a helium (He) recuperation and liquefaction system to optimize use of grant funds for student support, scientific staff, rather than He. The MEG Lab, which is used by numerous highly-productive cognitive neuroscience researchers and their trainees, presently requires 120L of liquid He per week, at considerable expense. These costs could be reduced by more than 80% with the purchase of liquefaction equipment, which would enable major operating cost savings and a reduction in the use of non-renewable He resources, and a better use of funds, in particular for the training of HQP.