Dynamical mapping of the human cardiomagnetic field with a room-temperature, laser-optical sensor

The magnetic field produced by the human heart carries valuable information for medical research, as well as for diagnostics and screening for disease. We have developed an optical method that allows us to produce movies of the temporal dynamics of the human cardiomagnetic field map. While such movies have been generated before with the help of SQUID magnetometers, our technique operates at room temperature and promises substantial economic advantages. (C) 2003 Optical Society of America.