50 Years of Innovation: Cryogenics and Superconductivity in Biomedical Applications

Published

May 22, 2026

Author(s)

Quan-Sheng Shu, Ray Radebaugh, Robert L. Fagaly

Abstract

Cryogenics and superconductivity (SC) have profoundly advanced biomedical technologies, particularly in areas such as cryosurgery, SQUID-based diagnostics, MRI and NMR imaging, and SC radiation therapy. These technologies have enabled the development of precise, minimally invasive medical procedures and highly sensitive diagnostic tools. This paper reviews key technical achievements and explores emerging directions in the field. Notable developments include cryosurgical and cryoablation systems for treating cardiac arrhythmias and pulmonary conditions; superconducting gantries with full 360° rotation for precision proton and ion beam therapy; and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), which remain the most sensitive instruments for detecting magnetic fields, enabling advanced neurological and organ-level diagnostics. The paper also examines high-field MRI systems (ranging from 1.5 T to 11 T) for whole body and critical organs, ultra-high-field NMR spectroscopy (up to 21 T) for in-cell structural biology, the low magnetic field (mT) MRI using SQUID, and the cryogenic preservation. These innovations demonstrate the transformative impact of cryogenics and superconductivity on the future of biomedical science and healthcare. precision proton and ion beam therapy; and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), which remain the most sensitive instruments for detecting magnetic fields, enabling advanced neurological and organ-level diagnostics. The paper also examines high-field MRI systems (ranging from 1.5 T to 11 T) for whole body and critical organs, ultra-high-field NMR spectroscopy (up to 21 T) for in-cell structural biology, the low magnetic field (mT) MRI using SQUID, and the cryogenic preservation. These innovations demonstrate the transformative impact of cryogenics and superconductivity on the future of biomedical science and healthcare.

Citation

IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering

Volume

1344

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1344/1/012122

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Keywords

cryogenics

Citation

Shu, Q. , Radebaugh, R. and Fagaly, R. (2026), 50 Years of Innovation: Cryogenics and Superconductivity in Biomedical Applications, IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, [online], https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1344/1/012122, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=960232 (Accessed October 15, 2026)

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