Fabrication of ultrasonic transducer usable in high magnetic field and driving tests

Abstract

Recently, fMRI is essential technology for cognitive neuroscience aiming to understand a relationship between brain activity and tactile sensation. However, most measuring instruments and experimental devices cannot be brought in the MRI room because high magnetic field is generated. In this study, to develop a tactile device that can be used in high magnetic field, an ultrasonic transducer using only materials with low magnetic permeability as a driving source of the tactile device was fabricated. Also, fMRI-compatibility tests were conducted closed to 3T MRI environment. The influences from the MRI environment to the transducer and those from the transducer to the MRI environment were investigated.