# Using optically pumped magnetometers to replicate task-related responses in next generation magnetoencephalography

## TL;DR

This study compares new wearable MEG technology with traditional systems, showing similar brain responses and confirming usability in people with metal fixtures.

## Contribution

Demonstrates replicable MEG recordings using optically pumped magnetometers, including in participants with metallic fixtures.

## Key findings

- Task-related evoked responses were replicable in both OPM-MEG and SQUID-MEG.
- Oscillatory power patterns to faces were similar across both MEG systems.
- OPM-MEG provided usable data for participants with metallic fixtures where conventional MEG failed.

## Abstract

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) offer a new wearable means to measure magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals, with many advantages compared to conventional systems. However, OPMs are an emerging technology, thus characterizing and replicating MEG recordings is essential. Using OPM-MEG and SQUID-MEG, this study investigated evoked responses, oscillatory power, and functional connectivity during emotion processing in 20 adults, to establish replicability across the two technologies. Five participants with dental fixtures were included to assess the validity of OPM-MEG recordings in those with irremovable metal. Replicable task-related evoked responses were observed in both modalities. Similar patterns of oscillatory power to faces were observed in both systems. Increased connectivity was found in SQUID-versus OPM-MEG in an occipital and parietal anchored network. Notably, high quality OPM-MEG data were retained in participants with metallic fixtures, from whom no useable data were collected using conventional MEG.