An exciting first step for OPM-MEG in Thessaloniki

January 2025

In November 2024, the Cerca Install Team arrived onsite in Thessaloniki to begin the installation of a cutting-edge OPM MEG system. The team, consisting of Molly, Holly, and Tyler, quickly set to work receiving and assembling the system inside the Magnetically Shielded Room (MSR). Fast forward to January 2025, and the next phase of the installation took place. Tyler, Ryan, and Zoe were on-site to power up the system for the very first time, conducting detailed system training with the local team. By the end of the week, three scanner operators had completed their training and were officially signed off. To wrap up the installation, Eliot arrived for the final system sign-off, ensuring the highest quality results in all areas.

The Thessaloniki OPM MEG system is equipped with 40 triaxial sensors, carefully integrated into the system setup. This includes:
-36 sensors in the main array
-2  reference sensors
-2 spare sensors

Housed in a Cerca small MSR, the system benefits from an environment optimised for precise measurements. The MSR is equipped with 29 window coils built into the walls, which are crucial for active field control. Other key features of the system include:
-Optical tracking system
-Projector display
-Sound system
-Patient support infrastructure

This setup ensures that the system delivers high-quality results and is adaptable to a range of experimental needs.

For the team in Thessaloniki, this installation marks the first step in their use of OPM-MEG technology. While some members of the team have prior experience with cryogenic MEG systems, their new OPM-MEG system is an exciting first and a significant new venture for them. Many members of the team bring a strong background in EEG, and they are eager to integrate this expertise into their new OPM-MEG experiments. Their initial goal is to replicate results they are already familiar with from EEG recordings before expanding into more complex studies. As they continue to explore the capabilities of the new system, their long-term research goals are still developing, but the potential for new insights is clear.

During their time onsite, the Cerca team demonstrated the system's capabilities by running an experiment with a single participant aimed at inducing gamma oscillations in the visual cortex. This experiment highlighted the system’s precision and its ability to support detailed neuroimaging research. Additionally, the team supported a simultaneous EEG and MEG scan using a Brain Products system that the customer already had in place. This showcased how the new OPM-MEG system could integrate seamlessly with existing equipment, paving the way for future projects.

The Thessaloniki team is now poised to take full advantage of their new OPM-MEG system, and we look forward to seeing the exciting developments that will emerge from this installation.