Nugent_PurchaseDescription_36-ChannelOPMSystem-2025.pdf

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

1. Statement of Need and Purpose:

Currently, the Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Core Facility of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has two magnetoencephalography systems for measuring brain activity. We have a fixed gantry CTF-275 device, using cryogenically cooled SQUID sensors, housed within a large Vacuumschmelze magnetically shielded room (MSR), and a device utilizing optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), currently under active development and housed within a compact OPM-optimized MuRoom (Magnetic Shields, Ltd.).

Many of our NIH intramural users have ongoing research questions, as part of studies began before 1/20/25, that will be better answered using this novel technology. This technology allows brain activity to be measured with greater signal to noise, and these additional sensors will enable us to construct a whole brain sensor system for users, furthering NIH research.

2. Background Information and Objective:

Significant development has occurred in the MEG field in the use of optically pumped magnetometer arrays. These relatively portable arrays are placed directly on the scalp and do not require cooling with expensive and increasingly scarce liquid helium. Furthermore, whole-head wearable arrays allow naturalistic movement of participants and may facilitate whole brain mapping in young children.

The NIMH MEG Core is currently developing a significantly denser array of sensors, capable of mapping brain function with dramatically improved spatial resolution and performing magnetocorticography (McoG) as an alternative to electrocorticography (ECoG). While the MCoG array currently in progress will be a significant contribution to the field of MEG, we recognize that the MEG Core also supports researchers in the Intramural Research Program whose research would benefit from the increased sensitivity of a whole head OPM array.

To this end, we require a 36-channel HEDscan system compatible with our existing sensors, helmet, and electronics, that will allow us to provide a whole head system to NIH intramural researchers.

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

3. Generic Name of Product: OPM sensor whole head system

4. Purchase Description:

Generic Name: OPM Sensor Whole Head System Trade name: FieldLine 36-sensor V3 HEDscan system Brand name: FieldLine Medical Manufacturer: FieldLine Medical Model: FL-HS-104a, FL-HS-101a, FL-HS-103a, FL-HS-11a, FL-HS-112a, FL-HS-11a Catalog: FL-HS-104a, FL-HS-101a, FL-HS-103a, FL-HS-11a, FL-HS- 112a, FL-HS-11a

5. Salient characteristics:

The selected OPM sensors and electronics must be compatible with the existing NIMH MEG Core OPM infrastructure: sensors (FieldLine V3 sensors), helmet, and electronics.

6. Quantity:

One FieldLine 36-sensor V3 HEADscan system consisting of:

• Thirty-six (36) Zero-field optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs), V3

• One (1) 19" chassis 3U for sensor cards and peripherals, V3

• Nine (9) Sensor electronics, each controlling 4 OPMs, V3

• One (1) Analog output card for 4 bi-polar analog outputs, BNC

• One (1) Digital input card with 32 digital inputs, SubD

• One (1) Control card to operate 5 HPI coils

7. Delivery Date: Delivery is expected six (6) months from purchase date.

8. Period of Performance:

FieldLine Medical carries a one-year warranty for deliverables.

9. Option(s): There are no options on this contract.