Local Magnetic Shielding of MRI Devices by Superconductive Materials

This paper investigates the possibility of using superconductive elements as passive magnetic shields, in order to mitigate the magnetic field in limited regions around magnetic resonance scanners where medical staff could operate. The analysis is performed through the Finite Element Method by assuming a relative permeability close to zero to simulate the behavior of superconductive materials. Some shielding solutions employing superconductive sheets are proposed, also evaluating the disturbance on the field homogeneity in the center of the superconducting MRI. Possible synergies between the superconductive shields and the ferromagnetic elements, employed as hybrid shields or field concentrators, are finally discussed.