Improved spatio-temporal measurements of visually evoked fields using optically-pumped magnetometers

Gialopsou, Aikaterini, Abel, Christopher, James, T. M., Coussens, Thomas, Bason, Mark G., Puddy, Reuben, Di Lorenzo, Francesco, Rolfs, Katharina, Voigt, Jens, Sander, Tilmann, Cercignani, Mara ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4550-2456 and Kruger, Peter 2021. Improved spatio-temporal measurements of visually evoked fields using optically-pumped magnetometers. Scientific Reports 11 , 22412. 10.1038/s41598-021-01854-7

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Abstract

Recent developments in performance and practicality of optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) have enabled new capabilities in non-invasive brain function mapping through magnetoencephalography. In particular, the lack of cryogenic operating conditions allows for more flexible placement of sensor heads closer to the brain, leading to improved spatial resolution and source localisation capabilities. Through recording visually evoked brain fields (VEFs), we demonstrate that the closer sensor proximity can be exploited to improve temporal resolution. We use OPMs, and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) for reference, to measure brain responses to flash and pattern reversal stimuli. We find highly reproducible signals with consistency across multiple participants, stimulus paradigms and sensor modalities. The temporal resolution advantage of OPMs is manifest in a twofold improvement, compared to SQUIDs. The capability for improved spatio-temporal signal tracing is illustrated by simultaneous vector recordings of VEFs in the primary and associative visual cortex, where a time lag on the order of 10–20 ms is consistently found. This paves the way for further spatio-temporal studies of neurophysiological signal tracking in visual stimulus processing, and other brain responses, with potentially far-reaching consequences for time-critical mapping of functionality in healthy and pathological brains.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC)
Additional Information:	Tis article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Publisher:	Nature Research
ISSN:	2045-2322
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	2 November 2021
Date of Acceptance:	1 November 2021
Last Modified:	09 May 2023 01:49
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/145245

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