System Overview
The CryoProbe™ accessory consists of two major components, the RF coil called MRI CryoProbe™ and the Cryo Platform™.
The MRI CryoProbe™ shown below as A is comprised of a cryogenic preamplifier and the RF coil. In between is an interconnection with a RF sealing ring where it passes the RF shielding at the Component Cabinet at the Magnet (CCM). There is a magnet specific mounting system for the cryogenic preamplifier at the CCM and a centering tube (see Installation of the Centering Tube) to mount and fixate the MRI CryoProbe™ into the magnet bore. The animal cradle will be directed and positioned by the Centering Tube from the user end of the MR instrument.
The Cryo Platform shown below as B provides the cryogenic cooling for the CryoProbe™ and is made up of
- Cryo Cooling Unit (CU) with control electronics: The CU is the major unit to cool the CryoProbe and to control the cooling process. It is connected to the CryoProbe with a vacuum line to pump the vacuum, with an insulated transfer line to cool it remotely, and with control connections. A laptop PC acts as user interface of the CU. Pressurized air is necessary to activate the valves of the CU.
- Helium Compressor: It circulates in a flexline compressed He gas at room temperature and enables the cooling in the CU where the compressed He is expanded. The indoor type compressor has a substantial heat dissipation and thus requires water cooling supply.
- Helium Gas Pressure Bottle: It provides the He-Gas for initial fill of the CU. The He gas is required only prior to and during cool down process; there is virtually no consumption during operation.
(A): Cryogenic preamplifier and RF coil (from left to right); interconnection not entirely shown
(B): Cryo Platform, consisting of Cooling Unit, He 6.0 gas supply and compressor (from left to right)
