EXAAQ provides the world’s first optical quantum magnetometer that directly measures MRI magnetic fields with sub‑ppm accuracy, eliminating the need for indirect inference and frequent calibrations. 5 T to 14 T+.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current MRI systems infer magnetic field strength rather than measuring it directly, which forces conservative scan protocols, requires frequent calibrations, and can lead to suboptimal image quality and longer exam times.
Solution
EXAAQ offers an optical quantum magnetometer that directly measures the magnetic field inside the MRI scanner with sub‑ppm accuracy. The sensor uses room‑temperature cesium atoms in an atomic vapor cell and saturated absorption spectroscopy to obtain field values without electromagnetic interference. Integrated probes are mounted on the RF coil and connected via fiber‑optic cables to a rack‑mounted electronics unit that synchronizes measurements to the scanner. Real‑time field data enable tighter scan protocols, faster acquisitions, and more reliable image reconstruction, while the system can be retrofitted to existing scanners from 1.5 T up to 14 T and beyond.
Target Audience
Primary customers are MRI manufacturers, research institutions, and clinical imaging facilities that require precise field monitoring to optimize scan protocols and improve throughput.
Features
- Direct magnetic field measurement using extreme angular‑momentum absorption spectroscopy in cesium vapor cells
- Fiber‑optic probe design with plastic and glass components that introduces no electromagnetic interference
- Compact 19‑inch rack housing lasers, photodetectors, and electronics, positioned outside the scanner room
- Simple graphical user interface with trigger‑based synchronization to the MRI system
- Capability to map 3‑D field distributions and determine B₀, gradient components, and k‑space trajectories in real time
- Compatibility with any RF coil and all clinical field strengths (1.5 T–14 T+)