The researchers believe that it may be possible to implement a high-sensitivity, multi-channel, non-resonant MRI detection system employing atomic magnetometers. This would make the image quality of ultra-low field MRI scanners comparable to other scanners used for anatomical imaging.

Moreover, the multi-channel system would enable large-size imaging of the head, spine, or even whole body by covering the imaging area with an array of flux transformers connected to atomic magnetometers that operate independently. The hand image is only the first step in showing the feasibility of the non-cryogenic ultra-low field method of anatomical imaging.

Researchers include Igor Savukov, Todor Karaulanov, Petr Volegov, Andrei Matlashov, Michelle Espy, Algis Urbaitis, John Gomez, A. Castro, and Shaun Newman of the Laboratory's Applied Modern Physics group. The Journal of Magnetic Resonance published the work and featured it on the journal cover. The National Institutes of Health funds the research, which supports the Lab's Global Security mission area and the Science of Signatures science pillar.