The Fast Field-Cycling (FFC) research unit in the School of Medicine is currently designing the world’s first clinical-grade whole-body FFC scanner, a significant development in MRI technology. This unique system is to be commissioned in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in summer 2022 and derives from a prototype version currently operating in their lab.
While the new system benefits from important improvements, many of its engineering aspects remain to be optimised to reach compliance with clinical standards. However, a new collaboration between the FFC team and the School of Engineering aims to take advantage of the high level of expertise in both groups and bring FFC imaging to commercialisation, focusing on three key aspects aimed at improving the FFC prototype:
- The scoping out of requirements for all subsystem modules
- Scoping and initial development of control software
- Integration of the RF scanning system
Each of these three tasks will include significant cross-pollination of knowledge aimed at prototype optimisation, initial tests and design drafts. The final aim of the project is to identify specific tasks and timelines that will, in turn, lead to the FFC imaging prototype reaching Technological Readiness Level 8 via externally funded projects.