Nuclear magnetic resonance energy harvesting for ultra-low power biomedical implants

A selective wirelessly-adjustable multiple-frequency probe (SWAMP) system allows for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging and spectroscopy with increased signal sensitivity through the coupling of the NMR surface coil with an implanted system capable of selectively resonating at multiple NMR frequencies. The ability to wirelessly recharge the biomedical implant in the NMR environment allows for long term in vivo operation without the need for surgery to replace the depleted secondary power source. This paper explores the capability of wirelessly recharging and powering the implanted electronics by leveraging the readily available energy from the transmitted RF pulses used for NMR measurements. The wireless power transfer between the NMR and the SWAMP systems are studied and relevant results are reported.