BIO-MAG

Ultra-sensitive Bio-Magnetometers with Macro to Nano Resolution.

The next generation of magnetometers resolves the magnetic fields from neurons, without the need for cryogenic cooling.

About the project

Measuring the tiny magnetic fields produced by neuronal currents allows us to non-invasively understand how the brain functions. Today, this is done with superconducting sensors that must operate at cryogenic temperatures. This greatly increases the cost and complexity of such systems, and reduces their flexibility and spatial resolution. The aim of BIO-MAG is to create small, biocompatible and lightweight magnetic sensors with femtotesla sensitivity, suitable for mapping neuronal activity in living organisms at room temperature using radically new smart materials.

We will do this by developing two innovative and complementary types of magnetosensitive systems. One sensor will be based on the extraordinary magnetoresistance effect with optimized materials and device designs. The other sensor will be based on magnetically sensitive color centers in 2D materials. The performance of both sensor types will be enabled by 2D materials with tailored functionality, provided by controlling lattice defects at the atomic level.

At SAM we focus mostly on developing extraordinary magnetoresistive sensors with our efforts spanning from material synthesis, device fabrication, characterization, and sensor benchmarking. 

Read about the project

Type of project

Founded by Novo Nordic Foundation, Challenge Programme

People from the SAM section involved

Dennis Valbjørn Christensen

Dennis Valbjørn Christensen Senior Researcher Department of Energy Conversion and Storage Mobile: +45 20961946

Rasmus Bjørk

Rasmus Bjørk Professor Department of Energy Conversion and Storage Phone: +45 46775895 Mobile: +45 21325054