This invention presents a smart imaging system that can see invisible magnetic fields in 3D. It uses a special diamond crystal with tiny defects that behave like super-sensitive magnetic sensors. These sensors help detect very weak and fast-changing magnetic signals like those found in the brain without touching the sample. The system converts these 2D readings into 3D images, making it easier to study brain-like electrical activity or inspect electronics in great detail. This breakthrough could help scientists, doctors, and engineers understand complex processes happening deep inside tissues or tiny devices.
Figure (1a) Layered 3D Dynamic Magnetic Field Sources for NV Imaging; (1b) Spiral Micro-Coil Design for Controlled Magnetic Stimulation; (1c) Neuronal Action Potential- ike Current Waveform
Understanding how neurons in the brain work requires seeing how tiny magnetic signals change over time. Existing technologies that try to capture these signals are often slow and can only take snapshots of static moments. This limits scientists’ ability to study fast brain activity or detect faults in small electronic circuits. There’s a need for a better, faster, and more accurate way to “see” magnetic fields in three dimensions.
- Captures 3D Magnetic Fields in Real Time: The system captures fast, invisible magnetic signals like brain activity at very small scales and turns them into full 3D images, helping researchers see what's happening deep inside.
- Uses Diamonds to Sense Magnetism: Tiny defects in diamond crystals act like super-sensitive magnetic detectors. They don’t require contact, making the method clean, safe, and highly accurate for delicate or small samples.
- Handles Noisy Signals Intelligently: It uses advanced techniques to clean up noisy data and reconstruct clear 3D images, even when many events happen close together in time or space.
- Mimics Real Neuron Behavior: The setup can recreate brain-like signals using micro-coils to test how well it captures those signals, offering a realistic and useful testing ground.
- Flexible and Scalable: It can be adapted to study not just the brain, but also electronics, microchips, or any small device that produces magnetic signals–making it useful across many industries.
A working lab prototype has been built. It includes a diamond microscope, micro-coils arranged in three layers, and a camera system that captures magnetic fields at over 200 frames per second. These micro-coils simulate fast brain-like activity. The signals are processed to reconstruct 3D images of how the magnetic fields change. Real tests using random spikes in current show that the system works effectively, even when signals are noisy or overlapping.
A working prototype has been developed and tested in a lab. The system successfully captures simulated magnetic signals similar to those found in the brain. It uses real hardware like custom micro-coils and diamond sensors.
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This innovation can dramatically improve how we understand brain functions by letting researchers track nerve activity with great detail and speed. It could lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating neurological diseases like epilepsy or Alzheimer’s. Outside of medicine, it helps test and troubleshoot small electronic devices, reducing production errors and improving product quality. In the future, such systems may become part of portable diagnostic tools or compact inspection devices used in labs, hospitals, and industries, making high-precision science more accessible.
- Brain and nerve research: Enables high-resolution 3D imaging of brain-like magnetic signals to study neuron activity
- Medical diagnostics: Supports early detection and monitoring of neural disorders through non-invasive magnetic sensing
- Electronics testing and fault detection: Helps locate tiny faults in circuits by visualizing current flow and magnetic fields in real time
- Semiconductor and chip design: Assists in analyzing and improving chip performance by mapping internal magnetic activity
- Advanced materials and sensor industries: Provides detailed insights into magnetic behavior in new materials and sensor prototypes
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202321047974
565095