Low-Cost High-Temperature Superconducting MRI System

描述(由申请人提供)： 为目前的超导核磁共振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。在这些地区发现的核磁共振扫描仪大多是使用永磁体(PM)技术的低场(0.2-0.35T)类型。这些系统的图像质量较低，与超导系统相比并不划算。该计划的目标是为低成本、易于定位的超导磁共振成像系统开发使能技术，其磁场强度和图像质量可与现有的1.0-1.5T磁场强度的螺线管超导系统相媲美。该系统将很容易在欠发达地区安装，因为它不需要液体冷冻机，而且将设计成在停电后仍能存活，操作员干预最少。该计划将： 1)开发用于无低温运行和停电生存的关键磁体技术。2)研制了点蚀焊丝的关键技术，包括连接方法。 3)通过建立骨科影像系统来验证所开发的技术。 4)从成像质量和系统可靠性两个方面对整形外科成像系统的性能进行评价。

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.