A magnetic resonance probehead for evaluating the level of ionizing radiation absorbed in human teeth

A miniature electron spin resonance (ESR) probehead that includes a static field source and a microwave resonator for in vivo measurement of paramagnetic defects in tooth enamel was developed. These defects are known to be a good marker for quantifying the ionizing radiation dose absorbed in teeth. The probehead has a typical length of just 30 mm and total weight of 220 g. The patient "bites" into the probehead while the measurement procedure is being carried out. The probehead operates in pulsed mode at a frequency of ∼11.2 GHz and supplies a static magnetic field of ∼400 mT. A detailed design of the probehead is provided together with its specifications in terms of measurement volume and signal-to-noise ratio for a typical sample. A specially developed simulation program was used to predict the spatial distribution of the acquired signal under conditions of grossly inhomogeneous static and RF fields. Experimental results with irradiated incisor teeth validated the probehead's sensitivity, being able to detect signals in tooth irradiated by only 2 Gy. Subject to additional improvements and tests, this type of probehead can potentially have significant clinical applications ranging from mass triage following major nuclear events to routine occupational evaluation of ionizing radiation absorbed over long periods of time.