Low Cost Open MRI Systems using MgB2 Coils

描述(由申请人提供)：我们正在开发一种可在4-30K范围内工作的低成本超导线，与仅在4K下工作的传统金属超导体相比，这将使MRI能够实现更低的成本和更低的患者人均成本来进行MRI分析。磁共振成像系统成本是为患者进行磁共振成像的人均成本中最大的成本驱动因素，尤其是开放磁共振成像。通过降低MRI系统的成本，患者的成本将会更低。如果超导工作温度能够从4K提高到20K，那么降低MRI系统的成本将是显著的。这项拟议的第二阶段的目标是证明可以在10-30K范围内使用开放式和封闭式MRI系统的线圈制造MgB2超导线。在SBIR第一阶段，Hyper Tech Research展示了具有足够高磁场的小线圈，可用于开放式和封闭式核磁共振系统。在这个第二阶段中，我们打算在更长的长度和线圈形式下展示改进的导线性能，以便开发更大的开放式MRI系统。我们打算展示永久性关节，并通过与磁共振制造商的合作，在几家磁共振公司启动了mgB2线圈的开发工作。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We are developing a low cost superconductor wire that can operate in the 4-30 K range compared to traditional metal superconductors for MRIs that operate at only 4 K. This will enable a lower cost MRI and a lower per patient cost to do a MRI analysis. The MRI system cost is the largest cost driver in the per-patient cost to do a MRI for a patient especially with open MRIs. By lowering the cost of MRI systems the cost to patients will be lower. Lowering the cost of the MRI system can be significant if the superconducting operating temperature can be raised from 4 K to 20 K. The goal of this proposed Phase II is to demonstrate that MgB2 superconductor wires can be fabricated in coils that function in the 10-30 K range for open and enclosed MRI systems. In the SBIR Phase 1 Hyper Tech Research demonstrated small coils with fields high enough to be useful for open and enclosed MRI systems. In this Phase II we intend to demonstrate improved wire properties in longer length and in coil form so larger open MRI systems can be developed. We intend to demonstrate persistent joints and through collaborating MRI manufacturers initiate MgB2 coil development efforts at several MRI companies