Low-Cost High-Temperature Superconducting MRI System

描述（由申请人提供）： 为当前超导MRI系统安装和提供制冷剂服务所涉及的费用限制了它们的广泛分布，特别是在该国人口较少的地区以及不发达国家。在这些地区发现的MRI扫描仪通常是使用永磁（PM）技术的低场（0.2-0.35T）类型。与超导系统相比，这些系统具有较低的图像质量并且不具有成本效益。该计划的目标是开发低成本，易于定位的超导MRI系统的技术，其磁场强度和图像质量可与现有的1.0 - 1.5 T磁场强度的螺线管超导系统相媲美。该系统将很容易安装在欠发达地区，因为它不需要液体冷冻剂，并将被设计为在最小的操作员干预下度过停电。该方案将： 1)开发关键磁体技术，实现无低温运行和断电生存能力。2)开发PITS线的关键技术，包括连接方法。 3)通过构建骨科成像系统来证明所开发的技术。 4)评价骨科成像系统在图像质量和系统可靠性方面的性能。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The expense involved in installing and providing cryogen service to current superconducting MRI systems has limited their widespread distribution, especially in less populous regions of the country, as well as in underdeveloped countries. The MRI scanners found in these areas are most often of the low field (0.2-0.35T) type using Permanent Magnet (PM) technology. These systems have a lower image quality and are not cost-effective when compared with superconducting systems. The objective of this program is to develop enabling technologies for a low-cost, easily siteable superconducting MRI system with a magnetic field strength and image quality comparable to existing solenoidal superconducting systems of 1.0 - 1.5 T magnetic field strength. The system will be easily siteable in underdeveloped areas since it will not require liquid cryogens and will be designed to survive power outages with minimal operator intervention. The program will: 1) Develop key magnet technologies for cryogen-free operation and power-outage survivability. 2) Develop key technologies for PITS wire including a joining method. 3) Prove the developed technologies by building an orthopedic imaging system. 4) Evaluate the performance of the orthopedic imaging system in terms of image quality and system reliability.