Open-type magnetocardiograph with cylindrical magnetic shield

Abstract

We have developed an open-type magnetocardiograph (MCG) with a cylindrical magnetic shield—having an auxiliary magnetic shield—and 64 gradiometers based on low-transition temperature (Tc) superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). A revolving door is applied to the magnetic shield with the aim of providing easy access to a subject and easy operation. The cryostat attached to the MCG contains 64 low-Tc SQUIDs and is about 1m in height, so there must be an opening through the cylindrical surface of the magnetic shield. The properties of the magnetic shield were simulated using finite-element-method simulations and experiments. The results of the simulations indicated that the auxiliary magnetic shield recovers enough of the shielding performance of a magnetic shield with an opening that it performs like a magnetic shield without an opening. The shielding factor of the developed magnetic shield is above 46dB in the vicinity of the magnetic shield. Accordingly, the open-type MCG can clearly measure magnetocardiograms.