New actuators are greatly demanded today in order to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible mechatronic systems capable of extended and improved capabilities. They are particularly needed for MRI-guided interventional or rehabilitation procedures. Actuators based on dielectric elastomers, a specific class of electroactive polymers, appear as suitable candidates for new MRI-compatible technologies, due to their intrinsic material properties and working principle. This paper presents the first investigation on the MRI compatibility of a recently developed linear contractile actuator made of a silicone elastomer. The assessed absence of any degradation of both the actuator electromechanical performance in the MRI environment and the quality of images acquired from a phantom demonstrated the MRI compatibility of the actuator. These results suggest the suitability of this soft actuation technology as a possible new entry in the class of MRI compatible mechatronic systems. ©2008 IEEE.
Silicone made contractile dielectric elastomer actuators inside 3-Tesla MRI environment
CARPI, FEDERICO;DE ROSSI, DANILO EMILIO
2008-01-01
Abstract
New actuators are greatly demanded today in order to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible mechatronic systems capable of extended and improved capabilities. They are particularly needed for MRI-guided interventional or rehabilitation procedures. Actuators based on dielectric elastomers, a specific class of electroactive polymers, appear as suitable candidates for new MRI-compatible technologies, due to their intrinsic material properties and working principle. This paper presents the first investigation on the MRI compatibility of a recently developed linear contractile actuator made of a silicone elastomer. The assessed absence of any degradation of both the actuator electromechanical performance in the MRI environment and the quality of images acquired from a phantom demonstrated the MRI compatibility of the actuator. These results suggest the suitability of this soft actuation technology as a possible new entry in the class of MRI compatible mechatronic systems. ©2008 IEEE.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
