Imagine a brain scanner that doesn't require a giant, freezing machine. Instead of lying still in a tube, a patient wears a lightweight helmet with tiny quantum sensors. These sensors pick up the brain's magnetic whispers to help doctors find the source of seizures or head injuries.
Current MEG systems are restricted to elite clinics because they require massive space, high costs, and specialized cryogenic technicians. This prevents wide-scale diagnosis of epilepsy and traumatic brain injuries.
A prototype helmet containing at least four densely-packed quantum sensors (OPMs) and specialized 795 nm-VCSEL lasers for brain activity measurement.
If you are a neurology clinic dealing with the high cost and space requirements of cryogenic MEG systems — this project developed a cryogen-free OPM array that allows for more flexible, wearable brain imaging. This enables the diagnosis of epilepsy for the 6 million affected people in Europe.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with heat management in miniaturized sensors — this project developed quantum sensor packages with improved heat management. These mass-producible packages can be integrated into aerospace navigation or sensing equipment.
If you are a supplier dealing with the need for specific laser wavelengths for quantum sensing — this project developed 795 nm-VCSELs. These components can be sold as standalone products for various quantum sensor types beyond brain imaging.
Based on available project data, the system replaces expensive, space-consuming cryogenic equipment with cryogen-free quantum sensors, making the technology more cost-effective and accessible for smaller hospitals.
Yes, the project specifically focuses on assessing manufacturability and developing miniaturized, mass-producible packages to ensure the system is manufacturable at scale.
Based on available project data, the project explores routes to exploitation of core components as spin-off technologies, though specific licensing terms are not detailed.
The sensors are integrated into a helmet placed on the subject's head, designed to meet the usability and safety needs of clinicians and researchers.
The project period runs from 2022-12-01 to 2025-11-30.
The consortium is strategically balanced for commercialization, featuring a 40% industry ratio with 2 SMEs and 2 research organizations across 3 countries (FI, ES, PL). By combining VTT's coordination with laser experts like VIGO and university research, the group covers the entire value chain from photonic components to clinical application.
Contact TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY for technical specifications on OPM arrays.
Contact us to connect with the OPMMEG consortium for licensing quantum sensor packaging.
