Resources

The Center provides imaging facilities and equipment for campus research programs. These facilities and equipment include:

3T Siemens Magnetom Allegra MR Headscanner

The 3T Allegra is a state-of-the-art system designed for neurological and cognitive fMRI studies. It is also utilized for engineering hardware and software development. The development environment for protocols and pulse sequences is fully integrated, allowing simulating, testing, and debugging of protocols and pulse sequences. In addition, the system supports real-time processing of BOLD studies with real-time motion detection, correction, and statistical evaluation. The system affords simultaneous MR and eye-tracking and optical imaging.


Allegra MR Headscanner

Three options are available for stimulus presentation: MR-compatible fiber-optic LCD goggle system with integrated eye tracker and pneumatic headphones designed by Magnetic Resonance Technology; an LCD flat screen stimulus-presentation goggle system with shielded electro-static headphones designed by Psychology Software Tools as part of their IFIS system; and a Proxima projection system used to rear-project images onto a specially treated mylar screen. Behavioral responses are collected using MR-compatible fiber-optic response buttons, response pads, or joysticks. An ASL Series 5000 remote optics eyetracker is also available.

MRI Brain AngiographyMRI Brain Angiography

3T Allegra/Trio Mock Magnets

The Center also has a subject preparation area and two mock 3T magnets that were custom-built to simulate the Allegra scanning experience in every way. It is utilized for studies requiring training, but not scanning in the magnet environment. It also provides subjects with the opportunity to habituate to the magnet environment prior to their participation in a particular study.

600 MHz Varian MR System

The 14.1T Varian system consists of a vertical wide bore magnet (89mm) and a 600 MHz Varian Unity/Inova NMR spectrometer equipped with four identical receiver channels and gradient coils with maximum strength of 90 Gauss/cm. The instrument is capable of performing MR imaging and spectroscopic measurements. The maximum usable magnet diameter is 25mm. Besides the commercial 2.5 cm diameter RF coil available for proton imaging, the Center also has several custom built coils. The system is one of only seven such magnets in operation in the world.

FOV Adjustable RF Coil
FOV Adjustable RF Coil

3D Image Rat Brain
3D Image Rat Brain

Advanced AC magnetic field applicator for small animal hyperthermia treatment

This applicator was custom built specifically for small animal experiments. The applicator site has a gap height of 4 cm, which is suitable for treating mice and other small animals. The coil uses a solenoid made of 10 turns of copper tube (diameter, 6cm; Q~70 at f= 800KHz). The AC magnetic field frequency f ranges from 250KHz to 1MHz with a field amplitude of up to 10kA/m.

Magnetom Trio 3T

The MAGNETOM Trio 3T is the newest addition of the latest technology to the Biomedical Imaging Center. The Trio 3T is the first generation of a true 3T whole-body MR system. This instrument offers markedly enhanced spatial resolution, decreased scanning times, and state-of-the-art imaging accuracy. Dedicated to research and clinical research users, the 3T has superior imaging with in-line processing, and may be used for whole-body applications. This Trio 3T is in a unique class of its own.

The Trio comes with the revolutionary TIM technology, which provides whole body imaging with local image quality in a single exam. TIM provides the flexibility to scan any part of the body without interrupting the exam for coil or patient positioning.

Coils:

The Allegra has been utilized for hi-resolution scanning of the head. The Trio and its coils provide state-of-the-art images of any system or body part of the body. Enjoy the pictures of the installation of the newest member of the Biomedical Imaging Center.

Magnetom Trio 3T