High-T-c SQUID biomagnetometers

• In this paper, we review the preparation technology, integration in measurement systems and tests of high-T-c superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) intended for biomagnetic applications. A focus is on developments specific to Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH, Chalmers University of Technology, MedTech West, and the University of Gothenburg, while placing these results in the perspective of those achieved elsewhere. Sensor fabrication, including the deposition and structuring of epitaxial oxide heterostructures, materials for substrates, epitaxial bilayer buffers, bicrystal and step-edge Josephson junctions, and multilayer flux transformers are detailed. The properties of the epitaxial multilayer high-T-c direct current SQUID sensors, including their integration in measurement systems with special electronics and liquid nitrogen cryostats, are presented in the context of biomagnetic recording. Applications that include magnetic nanoparticle based molecular diagnostics, magnetocardiography, and magnetoencephalography are presented as showcases of high-T-c biomagnetic systems. We conclude by outlining future challenges.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

epitaxial heterostructures

high-T-c Josephson junctions

SQUIDs

biomagnetic measurement systems

magnetocardiography

magnetoencephalography

magnetic nanoparticles

junction dc squids

magnetotactic bacteria

magnetic nanoparticles

josephson-junctions

bicrystal junctions

grain-boundary

thin-films

1/f noise

magnetometer

system

Physics

magnetoencephalography

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)