An MRI system at
small physical dimensions can be developed using a piezoelectric-microcantilever
system with the capability of sensing
magnetic fields in the range of microtesla to picotesla at room
temperature conditions . The RF magnetic field induces voltage in the
piezoelectric material which is amplified by the microcantilever which also
filters out the signal around its resonant frequency. The cantilever vibration
is measured using an optical detection system or by using capacitance to
impedance converter. A thick block of piezoelectric material is used as a
transmitter in order to replace the transmitting coil.
