Biomagnetic Sensing

The transition from electric to magnetic measurements has several advantages in a variety of applications. If, e.g., electroencephalo- or electrocardiographic analysis are supported by their magnetic counterparts, the corresponding analyses might deliver much better results. However, it's not trivial to establish the corresponding magnetic systems. Further details can be found here.

CRC 1261

The general objectives of the Collaborative Research Centre 1261 "Magnetoelectric Sensors: From Composite Materials to Biomagnetic Diagnostics" are the research and development of different magnetoelectric sensor approaches with a special focus on high sensitivity at biomagnetic frequencies and their evaluation and utilization in medically or biologically relevant questions. Further details can be found here.

Outreach

We support interactive and engaging science communication and education on biomagnetic sensing. Together with CRC 1261 researchers, we develops and offer a wide range of outreach activities, like public lectures, interactive exhibitions, lab visits, visits to schools, student project days and many more. Further details can be found here.

Third Onboarding Day at CRC 1261 (10.06.2025)

At the start of the onboarding session, there was a shared sense of nervousness as we gradually assembled in the seminar room. Most of us were unfamiliar with one another, connected only by a common factor: we were all, to varying degrees, new researchers within SFB1261. Prof. Gerhard Schmidt (spokesperson of the CRC) offered us coffee and, together with Mona Stölting (Scientific Coordinator), lightened the atmosphere with casual conversation and friendly questions, so we began to feel more at ease.

The onboarding session was designed to provide a structured introduction to the CRC, laying the groundwork for our integration into the collaborative environment. Over the course of the day, we received a comprehensive overview of the center’s organizational structure, research objectives, and available resources and opportunities.

Getting to know the program

We began the morning with an introductory session covering the motivation and objectives of the CRC, as well as an overview of both completed and planned research projects. Particular focus was given to different types of sensors and their applications, especially in the medical field.

Following this, Mona provided us with a highly informative overview of the CRC program structure. Her presentation introduced us to the wide range of available programs and courses. Key milestones for our PhD projects were also outlined, including scheduled meetings with our supervisors.

As part of the outreach segment, Paul Benjamin Diemel gave us an engaging insight into both the CRC’s outreach activities and his own doctoral research topic.

We, the onboarding candidates:

Exploring Labs and Meeting the Team:

After a shared lunch at the “Dockside” cafeteria, lab tours were planed for us. Several CRC members kindly introduced us to their research topics and guided us through their laboratories, including a visit to the cleanroom facilities.

Moritz Boueke presented his project on Digital Signal Processing. He demonstrated how an array of 3D sensors, or 3D probes are used to map intestinal motility. The setup involves a wireless capsule that scans the patient's gastrointestinal tract, enabling non-invasive diagnostics. He explained how the sensor system's outputs are processed using digital signal processing techniques, allowing data from multiple sensors to be translated into precise localization information. The presentation highlighted the integration of analogue system design, practical medical applications, and digital processing, resulting in a coordinated sensor array.

Felix Weisheit is showing us the cleanroom. He is a PhD student working with SAW- magnetic field sensors in project A9. Because his sensors are so small that even a single dust particle could destroy them, they must be fabricated in this ultra-clean environment. We are standing in front of the yellow room, where UV light, present in normal white light, is strictly avoided, as it would prematurely harden the photoresists he uses to pattern the structures on his devices.

Lucie Bangert is a doctoral researcher in the project B12 and taught us about the opportunities magnetoelectric sensors could have in the field of medicine. Her research involves testing magnetic nanoparticles in a special polymer matrix to detect inflammations or leakages in the gut after surgery. It was exciting to hear about her ambitions and her motivation for the upcoming work.

Doctoral researcher Johan Arbustini presented an overview of the hardware design and its noise performance evaluation. The design process integrates various simulation tools to demonstrate proof of concept for the signal processing system. To achieve the desired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the electronics are customized not only based on the sensing principle but also according to the specific application. Following the simulation phase, a hardware prototype is implemented using embedded micro-controllers and tested to evaluate performance across the target SNR and frequency range. To ensure the high-quality hardware performance the board prototype is built using application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in combination field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). This presentation showed how integrated is the sensor development (A projects) with the applications (B projects).

Unwinding with coffee and conversations:

After an information-packed day, we had the chance to unwind over coffee in the company of our onboarding coordinators and several doctoral researchers. It was a relaxed setting that encouraged conversation, reflection, and connection. As Otto Carlos Lippmann put it, “I believe the best part of the day was meeting new colleagues and having the opportunity to share both our work and some personal experiences. The friendly atmosphere and engaging discussions made the day enjoyable and fun.”

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the planning and coordination of this informative day.