Next Generation Brain Imaging: Mapping electrophysiological function using quantum technology

Next Generation Brain Imaging: Mapping electrophysiological function using quantum technology
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an imaging technology which measures human brain function. Specifically, it maps the formation and dissolution of electrophysiological brain networks, with high spatio-temporal accuracy, as they respond to ongoing cognitive demand. MEG is an exceptionally powerful tool for neuroscientific research, and has significant clinical utility, particularly in areas such as epilepsy. However, conventional MEG scanners are based on large, cumbersome and extremely expensive instrumentation which make them difficult to deploy in practice.

In this talk, I will describe a new generation of MEG system which offers a step change in the field of clinical neurophysiology. I will demonstrate how this new “quantum enabled” technology enables measurement of brain electrophysiology with unprecedented precision; I will show how it can be used to scan people whilst they move freely, and how it can be adapted to fit any patient – enabling high fidelity data capture in subjects from newborn to the elderly. I will demonstrate how this novel instrumentation is being developed and deployed in children with intractable epilepsy.

Matt Brookes, Chairman, CERCA Magnetics