Varian 14.1 Tesla
The second system is a 7 tesla, 33 cm horizontal bore system, also with a Varian Inova console and four receiver channels. Two gradient sets can be used, the larger (18 cm i.d. with maximum gradient strength 200 mT/m) and the smaller (11 cm i.d. with maximum gradient strength 500 mT/m).This system can be used for imaging animals such as mice, rats, cats, and rabbits.
Varian 7 Tesla
A multi-source, multi-detector near infrared spectrometer, is used for detecting the optical signals. This can be synchronized with the visual stimulation and the fMRI study by a TTL trigger-pulse from the MRI scanner. Up to 32 optical sources can be used, each of which are laser diodes (690 and 830 nm), amplitude modulated at frequencies up to 300 MHz, Up to eight detector fiber bundles can be used, with the signals time-multiplexed into the detector. Signals are converted into AC, DC, and phase signals for each of the source-detector combinations, or channels, at each wavelengths.
Researchers interested in using this equipment should contact Dr.Xiaofeng Zhang at xxz@engr.psu.edu
Two laboratories for RF coil fabrication and electrical characterization, housed in the Huck Center
and Bioengineering Department are available, with two Hewlett-Packard network analyzers (1.3 GHz and
8.5 GHz), as well as several analog and digital oscilloscopes (100-500 MHz) and frequency
synthesizers (1-3000 MHz). Two workstations are available for radiofrequency simulations, with
FEMLAB and CST Microwave Studio software packages already installed.
Extensive AALAC accredited animal facilities for housing mice and rats are available. A fully-equipped machine shop, including computer-driven CNC mills, is available to this project through the Engineering Sciences Division.