Micronor's MR318 MRI-Compatible Fiber Optic Rotary Encoder

MR318 is the world's first commercially-available rotaryposition sensor which can operate with complete "transparency" inextreme electromagnetic fields such as MRI machines. An enabler for functional-MRI (fMRI)research, the encoder allows medical researchers to develop MRI-compatible testapparatus where measuring position, angle or speed is required. Doctors can monitor brain activity of strokeand other impaired patients while pedaling, observing how brain and body adjustto therapy and rehabilitation techniques. Also enables development of phantom devices for MRI calibration andteaching. Non-medical applicationsinclude motion control where EMC "transparency" is required, includingradar scanners, anechoic chambers and DEW weapons. Prior to commercial availability of the MR318encoder, engineers had no commercial solution for measuring continuous positionwithin an MRI chamber. Motors oractuators could be hydraulic or pneumatic but no commercial position sensorexisted. A homemade fiber opticproximity/limit switch was the best solution - but this was awkward to design,package and only provided position information at discrete points. The company says the MR318 encoder is the world'sfirst and only commercially available, non-metallic rotary position sensorwhich operates "transparently" in extreme electromagneticfields. There is no comparable producton the market.

For more information: http://www.micronor.com/products.php?category=FiberOptic Rotary Encoders&offset=0