We have developed a multichannel high-resolution superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer for measuring biomagnetic fields produced by small animals. We measured the magnetocardiogram produced by a rat. Topographies of the P wave, QRS wave, and T wave of the rat magnetocardiogram were obtained. We also measured the magnetoretinogram, visually evoked magnetic fields, and auditory evoked magnetic fields of the rat. The signals of the magnetoretinogram appeared at 60 ms latency and the field intensities were about 0.6 pT. It was not possible to obtain the clear visually evoked fields because those signals were hidden behind the magnetoretinogram. It was possible to obtain auditory evoked magnetic fields of the rat. The significant differences of the wave forms were observed in both sides of the right ear, which are separated by 15 mm. Our system has adequate spatial resolution for measurement of the magnetocardiogram and auditory evoked magnetic fields produced by small animals.

Topics
Superconducting quantum interference device
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© 1998 American Institute of Physics.
1998
American Institute of Physics
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