Development of a highly balanced gradiometer for fetal magnetocardiography

Siarhei Uzunbajakau

    Research output: ThesisPhD Thesis - Research UT, graduation UT

    201 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Activation of the cardiac muscle is associated with ion transport through the membrane of the cardiac cell. This gives rise to the strongest electrophysiological signals in human body: the cardiograms. Segments of the cardiogram are related to the contraction of the hearts chambers. In fetal magnetocardiography, the magnetic field of a fetal heart is recorded in the vicinity of the maternal abdomen. This magnetic field, however, is extremely weak and can only be recorded by means of Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). To reach the superconducting state the SQUIDs are cooled to about - 270oC. Typically, fetal magnetocardiograms are recorded inside magnetically shielded rooms in order to reduce the influence of the environmental magnetic interference. As an alternative to magnetic shielding, higher-order gradiometers can be used. Ideally, a higher-order gradiometer is insensitive to the lower-order gradients of the magnetic field that originate from relatively remote noise sources. In practice, however, it is difficult to manufacture a gradiometer such that its sensitivity to these lower-order gradients is eliminated completely. The residual sensitivity to the lower-order gradients is referred to as imbalance. Balancing a gradiometer reduces imbalance and, thus, improves the environmental interference suppression. The objective of the work presented in this thesis is to design a highly-balanced higherorder gradiometer that enables measurements of fetal magnetocardiograms in unshielded environment. This includes optimization of the geometry of the gradiometer with respect to signal-to-noise ratio, design of a magnetic coils set for gradiometer balancing and gradiometer balancing experiments.
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
    Awarding Institution
    • University of Twente
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • ter Brake, H.J.M., Supervisor
    • Rogalla, H., Supervisor
    Award date6 Jun 2008
    Place of PublicationEnschede
    Publisher
    Print ISBNs978-90-365-2670-8
    Publication statusPublished - 6 Jun 2008

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Development of a highly balanced gradiometer for fetal magnetocardiography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this