Magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG): the next generation of functional neuroimaging

Trends Neurosci. 2022 Jun 29:S0166-2236(22)00102-3. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.05.008. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMagnetoencephalography (MEG) measures human brain function via assessment of the magnetic fields generated by electrical activity in neurons. Despite providing high-quality spatiotemporal maps of electrophysiological activity, current MEG instrumentation is limited by cumbersome field sensing technologies, resulting in major barriers to utility. Here, we review a new generation of MEG technology that is beginning to lift many of these barriers. By exploiting quantum sensors, known as optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), 'OPM-MEG' has the potential to dramatically outperform the current state of the art, promising enhanced data quality (better sensitivity and spatial resolution), adaptability to any head size/shape (from babies to adults), motion robustness (participants can move freely during scanning), and a less complex imaging platform (without reliance on cryogenics). We discuss the current state of this emerging technique and describe its far-reaching implications for neuroscience.PMID:35779970 | DOI:10.1016/j.tins.2022.05.008
Source: Trends in Neurosciences - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Source Type: research