The three dimensional electromagnetic design simulation software from Vector Fields has helped the Hitachi Laboratory, the research institute of Hitachi Ltd., design a unique magnet to help in optimising of high field conditions in the world-first superconducting open-air MRI system.

The magnet, part of the MRI system from the Hitachi Medical Corporation, Japan, results in greater image detail. The innovative open -air system provides comfort and significantly reduces patient misgivings about the MRI procedure.

The confidence in TOSCA, Vector Field's pioneering high accuracy 3D electromagnetic computation, based on more than 20 years of excellent correlation between simulated results and measured equipment, reduces the need for prototypes to a minimum with consequent cost and time reductions in the pre-production phase of such leading edge products.

According to Mr S Kakugawa, Senior Researcher at the Hitachi Laboratory, "the effects of the fields on MRI is central to the design and its magnets have to be calculated to high field accuracy".