SQUID System Research Articles

Magnetometric SQUID Systems and Magnetic Measurement Methods for Biomedical Research

Magnetometric SQUID Systems and Magnetic Measurement Methods for Biomedical Research

Cephalopod retinal development shows vertebrate-like mechanisms of neurogenesis

Coleoid cephalopods, including squid, cuttlefish, and octopus, have large and complex nervous systems and high-acuity, camera-type eyes. These traits are comparable only to features that are independently evolved in the vertebrate lineage. The size of animal nervous systems and the diversity of their constituent cell types is a result of the tight regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation in development. Changes in the process of development during evolution that result in a diversity of neural cell types and variable nervous system size are not well understood. Here, we have pioneered live-imaging techniques and performed functional interrogation to show that the squid Doryteuthis pealeii utilizes mechanisms during retinal neurogenesis that are hallmarks of vertebrate processes. We find that retinal progenitor cells in the squid undergo nuclear migration until they exit the cell cycle. We identify retinal organization corresponding to progenitor, post-mitotic, and differentiated cells. Finally, we find that Notch signaling may regulate both retinal cell cycle and cell fate. Given the convergent evolution of elaborate visual systems in cephalopods and vertebrates, these results reveal common mechanisms that underlie the growth of highly proliferative neurogenic primordia. This work highlights mechanisms that may alter ontogenetic allometry and contribute to the evolution of complexity and growth in animal nervous systems.

Feasibility of simultaneous multichannel magnetocardiographic mapping, multiple monophasic action potential recording and laser photocoagulation of isolated and perfused rabbit ventricular myocardium

Abstract Background Multichannel magnetocardiographic mapping (MCG) has been validated as an accurate non-invasive method for 3D localization of arrhythmogenic substrates suitable for ablation treatment and of intracardiac electrophysiology catheters (1,2). High resolution (HR) MCG-guided multiple simultaneous monophasic action potential (multi-MAP) recording and pacing with a single patented amagnetic catheter (AC) detects local arrhythmogenic mechanisms (3). Laser photocoagulation (LP) providing more controlled and homogeneous myocardial lesions (4), may be an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) ablation, without unwanted electromagnetic noise effect during real-time MCG. Purpose This study aimed to experimentally test the feasibility of simultaneous multi-MAP recording and LP guided by real-time MCG. Methods An unshielded 36 channels SQUID system (sensitivity of 30 fT/Hz1/2, at 1 Hz) (CMI, USA) was used to study Langendorff-perfused isolated rabbit heart with MCG (Figure 1A). Four epicardial MAPs were simultaneously recorded (inter MAP distance: 1 mm) with a single multi-MAP AC (bandpass: DC-500 Hz; sampling frequency: 2 kHz) (GE-Prucka Cardiolab). LP was performed with a NdYAG laser (Dornier Medilas 5100) and a catheter system for safe myocardium LP (5). The study was carried out according to NIH guidelines for animal care and use. Results MCG imaging of rabbit ventricular magnetic field distribution and inverse source localization with the magnetic dipole model are shown in Figure 1B. The difference in morphology of local HR ventricular multi-MAP signals was compatible with myocardial anisotropy (Figure 1C). With appropriate cooling of the optic fiber-tissue interface, no epicardial damage was induced by LP, whereas deeper well defined intramural myocardial lesions were appreciable, of different size as a function of the energy delivered (Figure 1D). Multi-MAP recording was not significantly disturbed by LP. Keeping the Medilas unit at least 5 meters away from the MCG sensors, no electromagnetic artifacts were observed during MCG. Conclusion MCG, single catheter multi-MAP recording and well-defined LP lesions of ventricular myocardium were simultaneously feasible on Langendorff-perfused isolated rabbit heart, without major electromagnetic interferences, in an unshielded catheterization laboratory. With appropriate technological developments, safe MCG-guided single-catheter laser ablation of focal arrhythmogenic substrates is foreseen as a possible minimally invasive alternative to current interventional approaches. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Modeling a Three-Stage SQUID System in Space with the First Micro-X Sounding Rocket Flight

The Micro-X sounding rocket is a NASA funded X-ray telescope payload that completed its first flight on July 22, 2018. This event marked the first operation of Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) and their SQUID-based multiplexing readout system in space. Unfortunately, due to an ACS pointing failure, the rocket was spinning during its five minute observation period and no scientific data was collected. However, data collected from the internal calibration source marked a partial success for the payload and offers a unique opportunity to study the response of TESs and SQUIDs in space. Of particular interest is the magnetic field response of the NIST MUX06a SQUID readout system to tumbling through Earth's magnetic field. We present a model to explain the baseline response of the SQUIDs, which lead to a subset of pixels failing to "lock" for the full observational period. Future flights of the Micro-X rocket will include the NIST MUX18b SQUID system with dramatically reduced magnetic susceptibility.

Integrated Optically Pumped Magnetometer for Measurements within Earth’s Magnetic Field

We present a portable optically pumped magnetometer instrument for ultra-sensitive measurements within the Earth's magnetic field. The central part of the system is a sensor head operating a MEMS-based Cs vapor cell in the light-shift dispersed Mz mode. It is connected to a compact, battery-driven electronics module by a flexible cable. We briefly review the working principles of the device and detail on the realization of both, sensor head and electronics. We show shielded and unshielded measurements within a static magnetic field amplitude of 50 uT demonstrating a noise level of the sensor system down to 140 fT/\sqrt{Hz} and a sensor bandwidth of several 100 Hz. In a detailed analysis of sensor noise we reveal the system to be limited by technical sources with straightforward strategies for further improvement towards its fundamental noise limit of 12 fT/\sqrt{Hz}. We assess the parameters defining the sensor bandwidth by theoretical modeling based on the Bloch equations. Finally, we compare our sensors' performance to a commercial SQUID system in a measurement environment typical for geomagnetic observatory practice and geomagnetic prospection.

Unshielded magnetocardiography contributes to non-invasively rule-out ischemic heart disease in patients with chest pain of uncertain origin

Abstract Background Out of millions of patients (pts) screened every year for chest pain in emergency departments (EDs) only 10% to 20% are affected by an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or angina due to ischemic heart disease (IHD). Unless ECG recording and serum markers are clearly positive, most of them must undergo complete clinical workout to exclude IHD prior to discharge. Moreover, since even effort-ECG and echocardiography don't exhaustively rule-out IHD, second-level exams are frequently needed, enhancing hospitalization time and related costs. Magnetocardiography (MCG) is increasingly reported as a sensitive, non-invasive, radiation-free method with high negative predictive value (PV) to rule out IHD. Purpose Retrospective cohort study to evaluate the reliability likelihood of unshielded MCG (uMCG) as a tool for rapid rule-out of IHD. Method Rest uMCG data of 263 patients (pts), all chest-pain free at the moment of MCG scan, were retrospectively analyzed. uMCG was recorded with a 36-channel SQUID system (intrinsic sensitivity 30 fT/√Hz, above 1Hz), for 90 seconds. With proprietary software, 13 MCG parameters were automatically calculated from T-wave magnetic field (T-MF): 5 parameters quantifying the dynamics of the MF extrema and eight, obtained from inverse solution with the equivalent magnetic dipole (EMD) model, quantifying the spatial dynamics of the T-wave effective magnetic vector (T-EMV). Pts were stratified as follows: – Group A, chest pain pts, with IHD confirmed by subsequent SPECT and coronary angiography (mean age 66±11 years, 36.7% female); – Group B, chest pain pts, with IHD excluded by subsequent SPECT or coronary angiography (mean age 59±10 years, 28.8% female); – Group C, healthy control subjects (mean age 25±7 years, 48.6% female). Only 60 pts in each group were randomly selected for the analysis. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the 13 MCG predictors among groups. Linear discriminant analysis was employed to assess likelihood ratios (LHR) and PVs, considering a mean IHD prevalence of 13% (range 10–20%) in chest-pain pts. Results Positive LHR was 9, while the negative LHR was 0.3, resulting in a helpful reduction of the pre-test probability of IHD. Whereas positive PV ranges from 51 to 70%, hardly confirming IHD diagnosis, negative PV ranges from 92 to 96%, giving confidence for a safe IHD rule-out. Conclusions Automatic analysis of T-MF and of T-EMV dynamics from rest MCG provided impressive negative LHR and PV values that, if confirmed in prospective multicenter trials, would rank MCG as a useful tool for quick and early triage of pts with acute chest pain and still non-diagnostic ECG and enzyme patterns, to rule-out those whose symptoms are of non-ischemic origin. Interestingly, a similar high negative PV has been recently reported using MCG QRS predictors. Thus, even better results could be expected by combining algorithms for automatic assessment of both T-wave and QRS predictors. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The use of optically pumped Magnetoencephalography (OP-MEG) in epilepsy

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been used in specific cases of refractory epilepsy due to its inherent properties of excellent spatial resolution and relative immunity to muscle artefact. However current MEG systems are high maintenance and restrictive for the patient, meaning that recording sessions are usually brief (1–2 h), thereby limiting its availability in the clinical setting. Our aim was to demonstrate the first use of Optically Pumped Magnetoencephalography (OP-MEG) in two epilepsy patients with unrestricted head movement. Unlike conventional MEG that uses a superconducting SQUID system, here we use a different type of sensor (OPM), which operates at room temperature and crucially can be placed directly on the patient's scalp, permitting free head movement.

Structure and magnetic characterization of Sr-doped BiFeO3 prepared by sol–gel method

Multiferroic nanocrystalline Bi[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]FeO3 ([Formula: see text], 0.05, 0.1) samples were synthesized using the sol–gel method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and SQUID system. The small-angle X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the sample underwent phase transition from rhombohedral to pseudo-cubic structure with the enhancement of Sr content. In addition, impurity peaks gradually diminished, indicating that content of impurities of samples reduced. Furthermore, it can be determined that there is only Fe[Formula: see text] in all the samples and impurity phase that existed in the samples was Bi[Formula: see text]FeO[Formula: see text] by fitting Mössbauer spectra. It is further confirmed that Bi[Formula: see text] Sr[Formula: see text]FeO3 samples were generated by oxygen vacancy equilibrium valence state when Sr[Formula: see text] ions replaced Bi[Formula: see text] ions. The change of quadrupole splitting indicated that a low concentration of Sr[Formula: see text] ions diffused homogeneously in the sample. Magnetization measurement showed that the magnetization of the sample increased gradually with the substitution of Bi[Formula: see text] by nonequivalent Sr[Formula: see text] ions, which can be ascribed to the decrease of grain size and the increase of oxygen vacancy and specific surface in the samples.

Reduction of Magnetic Noises in Cryocooler Operated Multichannel SQUID System

We developed a low-vibrational-noise cooling configuration using continuous liquefaction of evaporated helium gas from a multi-channel SQUID gradiometer system for whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) measurements. The initial reduction of the vibration of the cryocooler was done by rigidly mounting the remote motor and cold head chamber on a concrete wall. This significantly reduces transmission of vibrations to the transfer tube, especially compared with mounting them on vertical aluminum frames. In addition, to reduce vibrations from a mechanical SQUID array insert, we completely eliminated it by mounting each SQUID gradiometer separately on the helmet surface within the vacuum space. Thus, vibrations from the boiling liquid helium and transmission from the transfer tube were both greatly reduced. Magnetic field noise of the 150-channel SQUID gradiometer system showed that the vibration-induced interference peaks are comparable in amplitude to those from a conventional MEG system without helium reliquefaction.

Animal development in the microbial world: The power of experimental model systems.

The development of powerful model systems has been a critical strategy for understanding the mechanisms underlying the progression of an animal through its ontogeny. Here we provide two examples that allow deep and mechanistic insight into the development of specific animal systems. Species of the cnidarian genus Hydra have provided excellent models for studying host-microbe interactions and how metaorganisms function in vivo. Studies of the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and its luminous bacterial partner Vibrio fischeri have been used for over 30 years to understand the impact of a broad array of levels, from ecology to genomics, on the development and persistence of symbiosis. These examples provide an integrated perspective of how developmental processes work and evolve within the context of a microbial world, a new view that opens vast horizons for developmental biology research. The Hydra and the squid systems also lend an example of how profound insights can be discovered by taking advantage of the "experiments" that evolution had done in shaping conserved developmental processes.

Towards Ultrasensitive SQUIDs Based on Submicrometer-Sized Josephson Junctions

We recently demonstrated a 1$^{\textrm{st}}$-order axial gradiometer SQUID system which is operated in a liquid He dewar with negligible noise contribution. The achieved close to SQUID limited measured coupled energy sensitivity $\varepsilon_{c}$ of $\sim$30$\,h$ corresponds to a white field noise below 180$\,$aT$\,$Hz${^{-1/2}}$. In order to further improve the SQUID noise performance, the junction capacitance was reduced by decreasing its lateral size to below $1\,\mu$m. This was realized by extending the fabrication process for sub-micrometer-sized Josephson Junctions based on the HfTi self-shunted junction technology to an SIS process with AlO$_{\textrm{x}}$ as the insulating layer. We achieved energy sensitivities of 4.7$\,h$ and 20$\,h$ at 4.2$\,$K for uncoupled and coupled SQUIDs, respectively. We also investigated the temperature dependence of the noise of the uncoupled SQUIDs and reached an energy sensitivity of 0.65$\,h$ in the white noise regime at 400$\,$mK.

Detection of interictal epileptiform discharges: A comparison of on-scalp MEG and conventional MEG measurements

ObjectiveConventional MEG provides an unsurpassed ability to, non-invasively, detect epileptic activity. However, highly resolved information on small neuronal populations required in epilepsy diagnostics is lost and can be detected only intracranially. Next-generation on-scalp magnetencephalography (MEG) sensors aim to retrieve information unavailable to conventional non-invasive brain imaging techniques. To evaluate the benefits of on-scalp MEG in epilepsy, we performed the first-ever such measurement on an epilepsy patient. MethodsConducted as a benchmarking study focusing on interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) detectability, an on-scalp high-temperature superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer (high-Tc SQUID) system was compared to a conventional, low-temperature SQUID system. Co-registration of electroencephalopraphy (EEG) was performed. A novel machine learning-based IED-detection algorithm was developed to aid identification of on-scalp MEG unique IEDs. ResultsConventional MEG contained 24 IEDs. On-scalp MEG revealed 47 IEDs (16 co-registered by EEG, 31 unique to the on-scalp MEG recording). ConclusionOur results indicate that on-scalp MEG might capture IEDs not seen by other non-invasive modalities. SignificanceOn-scalp MEG has the potential of improving non-invasive epilepsy evaluation.

Detection of body noise with an ultra-sensitive SQUID system

Using an ultra-sensitive single-channel SQUID system an upper limit of 80 aT Hz−1/2 for the body noise contribution of the human head in ultra-low-field SQUID-based MRI or MEG is determined. We discuss in detail the various noise contributions which need to be taken into account. Simulations and measurements of conducting phantoms show that presumably residual radio frequency interference cause an increase in the sensor noise at the aT Hz−1/2-level and need to be considered. Using a phenomenological approach, the body noise contribution of the human head is determined to 55 aT Hz−1/2 for our setup. We also provide simulations of the expected body noise for other sensor geometries.

Comparison of Temperature and Field Dependencies of the Critical Current Densities of Bulk YBCO, MgB<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_2$</tex-math> </inline-formula>, and Iron-Based Superconductors

We compare the temperature and field dependence of the critical current densities of high-T <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> superconductor materials intended for various bulk applications such as trapped-field magnets. This comprises bulk samples of YBa <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> Cu <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">x</sub> (YBCO), MgB <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> , and iron-based materials, including also various versions of the YBCO compound such as melt-textured ones, infiltration-growth processed ones, and YBCO foams. Critical current densities and flux pinning forces were obtained from magnetization loops measured using Quantum Design SQUID and physical property measurement system (PPMS) systems with applied magnetic fields of up to ±9 T. The obtained data are compared to each other with respect of the optimal cooling temperature possible using modern cryocoolers. Furthermore, we plot the temperature dependencies of the critical current densities versus the normalized temperature t = T/T <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">c</sub> . This enables a direct judgement of the performance of the material in the trapped-field applications.

Constructing a Vector Scanning SQUID System

We succeeded in fabricating a vector scanning SQUID sensor, which was optimized to reduce the noise and to enhance the sensitivity by choosing the screening parameter as βL = 1. The sensors were fabricated by a superconductive foundry CRAVITY of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) using AIST-STP2 standard process with the critical current density Jc of Josephson junctions (JJs) 320 A/cm2. Under this condition, the critical current Ic becomes 12.5 µA in the areas of 2.2 µm × 2.2 µm of our SQUID. The sensitivity and resolution of sensors were also improved by reducing inner diameter and increasing the number of the pick-up-coil windings with employing of multi-layer technique. We designed the structure of vector pickup coils, of which the same distance is kept between each coil and the sample surface. In addition, the distance between the coils were just set at an integer multiple of a scanning step so that it becomes convenient in reconstructing a magnetic-field vector at a certain position. The fabricated SQUID sensors were operated properly, and characteristics were in good agreement with our design parameters. In order to construct the vector scanning SQUID microscope, we succeeded in connecting our sensor with a commercial flux-locked loop (FLL) readout circuit (Magnicon Inc., Model XXF-1). The spatial resolution of vector SQUID microscopy can be improved by using an XYZ piezo-driven scanner for the precise control of the pick-up-coil positions over the three-dimensional range of 5 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm with a step size of 10 nm at 4K. A Gifford–McMahon cryocooler with an anti-vibration mechanism will be used to conduct long-time measurements.

Ultra-sensitive SQUID Systems for Pulsed Fields—Degaussing Superconducting Pick-Up Coils

SQUID systems for ultra-low-field magnetic resonance (ULF MR) feature superconducting pick-up coils which must tolerate exposure to pulsed fields of up to 100 mT. Using type-II superconductor niobium (Nb) field distortions due to trapped vortices in the wire result. In addition, their rearrangement after quick removal of the pulsed field leads to excess low frequency noise which limits the signal-to-noise ratio. In contrast, type I superconductors, such as lead (Pb), do not exhibit vortices but form an intermediate state with the coexistence of normal and superconducting domains. We measured the magnetization loops of superconducting wire samples of Nb and Pb together with their noise behavior after pulsed fields. Pb also exhibits significant excess low frequency noise once the wire has been driven into the intermediate state. To avoid this problem, we removed the field not abruptly but in a linearly decaying sinusoidal manner thereby degaussing the wire. After application of 57 mT, we found that Nb can be degaussed within at least 50 ms, the shortest time used in this study. Pb can also be degaussed, albeit within 100 ms and a more complex dependency on the degaussing parameters. After successful degaussing, negligible excess low frequency noise is observed.

Paleomagnetic results from Lower Devonian sandstones of the Niqiuhe Formation in the Duobaoshan area and its constraints on paleoposition of the Xing&amp;rsquo;an block

Two common but contradictory views toward the timing of the final closure of the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) are either the Pre-Late Devonian or the Late Permian to Early Triassic. Previous paleomagnetic studies support a consolidation of the unified North China and Mongolia by the Late Permian. However, Pre-Late Permian paleogeography of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is not well understood due to the scarcity of reliable paleomagnetic records. The Xing’an block plays a key role in the evolution of the CAOB, however, no paleomagnetic results are available so far to provide constraints on its Late Paleozoic paleo-position. We performed a systematic paleomagnetic study on a purple siltstone section of the Lower Devonian Niqiuhe Formation near the Duobaoshan County, Heilongjiang Province. Representative fresh end samples were subjected to rock magnetic analysis to identify their dominant magnetic carriers and particle size distribution. Rock magnetic experiments include measurements of magnetic susceptibility variation dependence of temperature ( κ - T ) curves, hysteresis loops, acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and back-field demagnetization of saturated IRM (SIRM) curves. The results indicate that the magnetic remanence carriers are dominant by hematite with minor contributions of magnetite. 112 cylindrical specimens were thermally demagnetized using an ASC TD-48S furnace and measured in a 2G-755-4K SQUID system in the Magnetotectonics Lab of Peking University. A total of 11 sites revealed identical bi-components character. The low temperature component resembles the present geomagnetic field in geographic coordinates, while the high temperature characteristic remanence (ChRM) component was reversed polarity both before and after tilt correction. Optimal concentration is achieved at 35.7% unfolding percentage, which suggests the magnetization was acquired during the late stage of a folding process. A previous structural study indicated that stress field of the research area switched from NW-SE to N-S orientation during the Late Permian, which is supported by the predominant NE-SW oriented Ordovician to Devonian strata as well as the angular unconformity between the Devonian and Upper Permian strata. The folding time of the Niqiuhe Formation is likely Middle Devonian to Middle Permian. Supported by evidence from a suite of granites near our sampling section (less than 3 km) dating at 309−299 Ma along with the universal reversed polarity of all 11 sites, we argue that the ChRM component was acquired during the Permo-Carboniferous Reversed Superchron (~318−262 Ma), when the study area was affected by a granitic intrusion thermal event (309−299 Ma). The ChRM component ( D / I =28.6°/−33.2°, k =18.6, α 95=10.9°) corresponds to a paleomagnetic pole of λ p/ φ p=17.3°S/97.1°E ( dp / dm =7.0°/12.4°). For a common reference site (43°N/114°E), our results suggest the Xing’an block was situated at 27.7°±12.4°N during the Late Carboniferous. Coeval results obtained from rocks of different lithology suggest 28.5°±9.7°N and 19.9°±14.8°N for the Uliastai continental margin and the Central Mongolia-Euruna block. After applying a blanket flattening factor f =0.6 for results obtained from clastic sedimentary rocks, the paleolatitudinal difference between the Xing’an block, Uliastai continental margin, and the Central Mongolia-Erguna block is less than 3.2°±12.8°. Late Carboniferous paleomagnetic poles from those three blocks are distributed along a small circle. Significant post-Permian local rotations are likely attributed to extensive Mesozoic strike-slip faults among the eastern CAOB. Those three blocks were probably consolidated into a unified block, situated at ~28°−30°N during the Late Carboniferous and dominant by the cold water Borel realm fauna. By contrast, the North China and Songliao-Xilinhot blocks was situated at an equatorial region (4.3°S−12°N) and dominant by the warm water Tethyan realm fauna, while Siberia was located at ~45°−50°N. The Paleo-Asian Ocean therefore remained open and the main basin was the Hegenshan ocean rather than the Solonker ocean.

Development of Metallic Contaminant Detection System Using RF High-Tc SQUID With Cu Pickup Coil

We developed a metallic contaminant detector using a high-Tc rf-SQUID with a Cu pickup coil for industrial products. For manufacturers producing industrial products, problems arising from metallic contaminants are critical issues. A detection system using a SQUID is a powerful tool for sensitive inspections. However, since the detection width is dependent on the size of the SQUID, multiple sensors are required for practical use. However, such devices are costly and complicated. This is the reason as to why the SQUID system has not been widely used in the field. Therefore, we have recently proposed a new detection system using Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The detection section consists of a pair of permanent magnets surrounded by copper wound pickup coils. The output of the pickup coil is remotely connected to a copper wound input coil. The input coil couples magnetically with a SQUID. In this case, the width of the pickup coil can be widened as to be as large as 27 mm in diameter. As compared with 1-ch SQUID direct detection, the width of the new method is three times larger. In this paper, we describe the performance of the system with a conveyor, which uses an LC resonant circuit. By applying the LC resonance, the amplitude increased and the signal to noise ratio ( SNR ) was improved by a factor of two.

Development of HTS-SQUID System for a Monitoring System of CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery

We have tried to develop an induction logging system for oil fields utilizing a high-temperature superconducting quantum interference device (HTS-SQUID). Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is a promising technique for efficient production of petroleum. To control the EOR, it is important to improve the accuracy of monitoring technique of CO2 injected into the oil reservoir. The HTS-SQUID has a potential to monitor CO2 behavior in crude oil reservoir because of its high sensitivity in a wide frequency range from dc to over 1 MHz. As the first step of the developments, we prepared a vessel for SQUID system by using carbon fiber reinforced plastic with pressure tightness of 70 MPa and thermal durability of 200 °C. By using the SQUID system placed at a depth of about 300 m in a steel-cased borehole filled with water, magnetic signals from a transmitter coil in another borehole were successfully measured.

Integrated Monolayer Planar Flux Transformer and Resonator Tank Circuit for High- $T_{c}$ RF-SQUID Magnetometer

The authors propose a new design for monolayer superconducting planar flux transformer integrated with a coplanar resonator serving as a gigahertz range tank circuit for high- Tc rf-SQUID magnetometers. Based on the proposed design, which is optimized using the finite element method, the transformer-resonator configuration is made of 200-nm-thick monolayer YBCO film on a crystalline LaAlO3 substrate. In this optimized design, the SQUID magnetometer is coupled through flip-chip configuration with the configuration providing high coupling coefficient between the devices. The design permits coupling of the rf signals to the SQUID efficiently, whereas the transformer is designed to couple the dc to low-frequency magnetic field signals to the SQUID without disturbing the rf excitation. By means of split-ring resonator structure and also a SrTiO3 layer on the back side of the configuration, tuning the resonance frequency with high precision could be made possible using minimum change in the design. Loaded quality factor and the coupling coefficient of the designed resonator are obtained to be high to meet the SQUID system requirements very well. Also, lower field-to-flux transformation coefficient is achieved by using our single-turn transformer design compared to that of the bare SQUID.