Development of an HTS Magnet for Ultra-Compact MRI System: Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm (GA) Method

Abstract

This paper presents the design of an HTS magnet for an ultra compact MRI system, potentially for the rapid and early diagnosis of brain trauma. Early diagnosis and therapy stratification can reduce the risk for critically brain ill patients with the use of near patient imaging, and can aid with precision medicine. High temperature superconductors (HTS) have the ability to carry large currents in the cryogen free contrition, which can make the MRI system even smaller and lighter. The design and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization were based on the FEM package COMSOL Multiphysics with the LiveLink for MATLAB, together with the GA module in the MATLAB optimization toolbox. The relatively thick HTS tape, ST-12-L from the Shanghai Superconductor Technology ® was chosen and that made more difficulty on optimization process. Genetic Algorithm method improved the optimization performance, and the uniformity achieved 2.36 ppm in a 10 × 10 × 10 cm DSV. Two cases of the end double-pancake were compared. Further sensitivity studies were performed on the homogeneity with its relationship to the magnet length, and the thickness of HTS tape.  Index Terms-High temperature superconductor (HTS), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), HTS magnet, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Finite element method.

Ultra-fast Surrogate Model for Magnetic Field Computation of a Superconducting Magnet Using Multi-layer Artificial Neural Networks

“…Last recently, AI methods were used in design stage of superconducting MRI magnets to gain a highly homogenous magnetic field while the size and also the manufacturing costs are minimized [6][7][8]. In fusion industry, AI methods can be used to monitor and to protect the superconducting magnets against quenches [9,10].…”

DC Electro-Magneto-Mechanical Characterization of 2G HTS Tapes for Superconducting Cable in Magnet System Using Artificial Neural Networks

“…These models are capable of considering multiple variables for determining the characteristic of HTS tapes without giving up on the accuracy or estimation speed. Last recently, AI models were used to design [21], monitor [22], and estimate [23] different characteristics and performances of superconducting devices. In [24], a novel AI approach was introduced to estimate the stress and Jc in HTS tapes.…”

“Thermal Eraser” to Mitigate Screening Current by Optimal Control on Spatial Temperature Distribution in a High Temperature Superconductor Magnet

“…This may represent the first use of an HTS magnet for a large-scale national accelerator facility. In fact, applications of HTS magnet are rapidly expanding beyond laboratory magnets to fusion [9][10][11] , high energy physics [12][13][14][15] , biochemistry [16][17][18][19][20][21] , biomedical diagnosis [22][23][24][25][26][27] , renewable energy [28][29][30][31] , electric propulsion [32][33][34][35] and more [36][37][38][39][40][41] .…”