The team, led by Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) in Germany, developed a laser-based diamond sensor that can measure magnetic fields up to 10 times more precisely than standard techniques.

Figure 1: Laser sensor to detect brain abnormalities.

Figure 1 shows that Scientists, including those from RMIT, have made a discovery they say could lead to a new generation of accurate, affordable and portable devices to detect concussion, epilepsy and dementia.

Diamond is already used for sensing magnetic fields, where the amount of light that comes from quantum defects in the diamond changes with the strength of the magnetic field. [1]

Their innovation could help improve existing magnetic-field sensing techniques for mapping brain activity to identify disorders. With sufficient funding and collaboration with the industry, the team say they could develop a proof-of-concept device using their new sensor within five years.

The research is also relevant to a range of sectors beyond healthcare including mining, where it could lead to improved mineral exploration applications.

Today’s magnetoencephalography, or MEG, technology is very sensitive, but also bulky, expensive to install and needs to operate at ultra-cold temperatures with liquid helium and patients must remain still.

“Current MEG machines are huge devices, with dedicated facilities, and they require magnetic shielding around them as well,” Greentree said.

MEG technology based on the new diamond-laser sensor would be much smaller than today’s devices, would operate at room temperature and could be fitted to patients who can move around. [2]

“We really want to have something that we can place on a patient’s head and we want them to be able to move around—and there would be no need for expensive liquid helium to operate such a device. With Alzheimer’s, you want to be able to monitor the progression of the disease and know the effect of any treatments. It is similar with concussion, you want to be able to measure what is happening in the brain after each knock,” stated Greentree.

He further added, “With this MEG technology we envisage, you might be able to pick up early-onset dementia. With epilepsy, you could find out where it is occurring, and that would help you to better target interventions.” [3]

References:

1. https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2022/07/laser-based-diamond-sensor/
2. https://theprint.in/health/scientists-reveal-new-device-to-detect-brain-abnormalities/1027547/
3. https://www.azosensors.com/news.aspx?newsID=15101

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), Laser Based Diamond Sensor Could Detect Brain Abnormalities, AnaTechMaz, pp.160