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Context
Magnetic resonance imaging targets in an overwhelming proportion Hydrogen-1 nuclei. However other nuclei are also of interest e.g. Phosphorous-31 or Hydrogen-2 also called Deuterium which can both be used in magnetic metabolic applications.
In the case of Deuterium, its very low endogenous concentration (0.0115%) makes it mandatory to inject Deuterium labelled agents and resort to spectroscopic imaging methods [1,2]. Using Deuterium labelled glucose [6,6′-2H2], it is possible to study glycolysis of tumorous cells [3] enabling more specific evaluation of the aggressivity of tumors and enhancing patient care [4]. Other medical applications include diabetes or evaluation of tissue perfusion displaying the wide potential of Deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI).
However, the low gyromagnetic ratio of Deuterium nuclei coupled with its low abundance and concentration makes the use of ultra-high magnetic field scanners mandatory for all DMI applications. Such a scanner as the 11.7T system, is available on the PILoT imaging platform of CREATIS. The use of dedicated highly sensitive Deuterium coils is also essential for successful DMI applications. This project at 11.7T aligns with the development of a new research topic within the MAGICS team of CREATIS with ongoing collaborations with research teams from the Netherlands and Japan. Moreover, with the future arrival of a clinical 7T system with x-nuclei capacities on the Lyon hospital site, this research internship will pave the way for future translational research. DMI can also be coupled with other imaging/spectroscopic methods developed at CREATIS such as Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST). The intern will join the MAGICS team of CREATIS composed of experts from various fields (NMR physics, electronics, computer science, and medicine), in partnership with the PILoT imaging platform.
Internship program
During an NMR experiment, a radiofrequency transmit coil creates a ‘homogeneous’ B1 field within the studied medium and flips the magnetization into the transverse plane, allowing its measurement. This measurement is often carried out using a second coil (receive coil) placed close to the region of interest. Such a configuration benefits both from the homogeneity of the transmitted field and from the increased sensitivity of the receiving sensor.
The objective of this internship is to design a surface ²H receive coil and characterize its performance for Deuterium Metabolic Imaging. The intern will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Design the sensor with active decoupling capacities : perform electronic and electromagnetic simulations, design a PCB layout, solder the components, and verify impedance matching using a VNA.
• Design Deuterium phantoms: propose a simplified model of brain tumors.
• Test the sensor on the 11.7 T MRI system, develop a standardized experimental plan, and quantify its performance in comparison with other elements (such as a volume transmit/receive coil) available on the platform.
Required skills
• Knowledge in medical imaging
• Analog and radiofrequency electronics
• Programming
• Knowledge in Multiphysics and electronics simulation (COMSOL/LTSPICE)
Contacts
Paul NOBRE : paul.nobre@creatis.insa-lyon.fr
Kevin TSE VE KOON : kevin.tsevekoon@creatis.univ-lyon1.fr