| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/A00742/01 |
| Title: |
NOVEL HIGH TC SQUID INSTRUMENTATION FOR MAGNETIC RECORDING OF NEURONAL ACTIVITY IN BRAIN TISSUE |
| Principal Investigator: |
Tarte, Dr EJ |
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| Department: |
Materials Science & Metallurgy |
| Organisation: |
University of Cambridge |
| Scheme: |
Advanced Fellowship (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 2000 |
Ends: |
31 December 2004 |
Value (£): |
230,697
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Med.Instrument.Device& Equip. |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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I propose to develop the first HT SQUID instruments, customised to detect the magnetic fields generated by groups of, and potentially individual cells in the mammalian central nervous system. In medical research, the electrical signals generated in neural tissue are routinely recorded in basic and applied neurophysiological investigations. Biomagnetfc studies will be less invasive to the individual cell than electrical recording techniques, but also complementary to them since the stages of the neural impulse contribute in different ways to the electrical and magnetic signals. Although a useful system could be constructed now, in order to detect the magnetic field of a single neuron ultra sensitive but miniaturised sensors will be required Thus, substantially improved multilayer oxide device processing techniques are vital.In parallel I will address new aspects of oxide device research using the advanoed fabrication techniques developed for biomagneticsensors. One example is investigation of the dielectric properties of ferroelectric perovskite oxides, which have important electronicsapplications. Related materials are already used in multilayer HT SQUID processes. Thus, resonators containing these materials,designed for the otherwise virtually inaccessible 100GHz to IOOOGHz frequency range, can be characterised using Josephsonjunctions as spectrometers.This programme contains research, in areas which have considerable impact upon competitiveness and quality of life in the UK and is in line with EPSRC's commitment to support physical science underpinning the life sciences.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.cam.ac.uk |