Topology Considerations for an Iron-Core Coil Module Field Generator

The selection-field generator of a Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) scanner is typically the system’s largest power consumer. For potential use in intensive care units, it would be highly desirable to operate MPI scanners from a standard wall outlet without dedicated high-power infrastructure. Several concepts for more efficient selection-field generation have been proposed in recent years. In this work, we propose a novel generator design based on an array of soft-iron core coils arranged at an angle around the scanner bore. This geometry reduces overall electrical power demand while enabling gradient strengths of up to 0.5 T/m. The design was simulated and optimized using magnetostatic simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics. To ensure reliable modeling of the soft-iron cores, prototype coils were built and their magnetic fields were measured, providing experimental validation of the simulation models.