Permanent Magnet Pre-Polarization in Low Field MRI Measurements Using SQUID

In order to improve signal-to-noise ratio of low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measurements, a Permanent Magnet (PM) with a field of about 1 T was used as pre-polarizing field and a tuned high-Tc (HTS) rf Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) acted as signal detector. Measurements were performed in a Magnetically Shielded Room (MSR) with the door open, while the PM was located outside. A manual mechanical transport system was used to repeatedly move sample from the PM to the measuring position beneath the SQUID. The two-dimensional LF-MRI of a sample tube of 0.5 ml tap water demonstrates the feasibility of this concept.