Design considerations for biphasic pulsed field generators used in portable magnetic sensor systems

Abstract

Pulsed magnetic field generator systems are an integral part of several portable magnetic sensor systems. In this work design of field generators for portable magnetic resonance systems will be discussed. Generally, commercial field generator systems with sophisticated data acquisition and processing mechanisms are used for magnetic resonance applications. However, with the move towards portable diagnostics, a redesign of the pulsed field generator systems for improved portability is appropriate. Here, the design of different portable pulsed magnetic field generators are contrasted in purview of portable single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications. The field generators rely on switching of inductors in the MHz frequency range and can consume varied amounts of currents on the basis of the switching device's bias conditions. The extension to biphasic operations will prove to be beneficial in terms of obtaining higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) and larger pulsed fields, essential parameters in most magnetic resonance measurements.