Towards a Portable Magnetoencephalography Based Brain Computer Interface with Optically-Pumped Magnetometers

Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) allow individuals to control devices, machines and prostheses with their thoughts. Most feasibility studies with BCIs have utilized scalp electroencephalography (EEG), due to it being accessible, noninvasive, and portable. While BCIs have been studied with magnetoencephalography (MEG), the modality has limited applications due to the large immobile hardware. Here we propose that room-temperature, optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) can potentially serve a portable modality that can be used for BCIs. OPMs have the added advantage that low-frequency neuromagnetic fields are not affected by volume conduction, which is known to distort EEG signals. In this feasibility study, we tested an OPM system with a real-time BCI where able bodied participants controlled a cursor to reach two targets. This BCI system used alpha and beta-band power modulations associated with hand movements. Our preliminary results show significant alpha and beta-band desynchronization due to movement, as found in previous literature.