MindCORE Neuroimaging Facility

Information For Researchers

The MindCORE Neuroimaging Facility is available to research groups associated with MindCORE as well as groups at Penn or other institutions not already affiliated with MindCORE. New groups should contact Dr. Kirwan and submit a project proposal using the link below. Groups with approved projects can use the Calpendo scheduler link to book the scanner and other resources as well as to check in to record scanner usage. Guidelines and procedures for safety and operations training are available through the Access and Training link below.

Quick Links

• Calpendo Scheduler. Use this link to request an account, access the scheduler, and track usage of resources including testing rooms, equipment, and the MRI scanner.
• User access and training.  for researchers who needs access to the MindCORE Neuroimaging facilities.
• Submit a new project proposal.
• Online screening form (English version | Spanish version)
• Current rate sheet.
• MindCORE Neuroimaging Documentation. Including policies, procedures, and training materials.

Equipment

MRI

• 3T Siemens Cima.X scanner equipped with Gemini Gradients
• BOLDscreen LCD monitor
• Current Designs response collection system
• SR Research Eyelink 1000 Plus eye-tracking system
• Sensimetric Model S14 Insert Earphones
• Mock MRI scanner with motion tracking system
• Scan Buddy software for real-time motion tracking during functional MRI runs

EEG

• BrainVision actiCHamp amplifier
• 64-channel actiCAP active electrode caps (sizes from 46 to 60cm for children and adults)

Space

• Participant changing room with lockers
• Three behavioral testing rooms
• Electrically-shielded room with Murphy bed suitable for EEG/sleep experiments
• Conference room
• Co-working office space

The MindCORE Neuroimaging Facility houses a state of the art Siemens Cima.X 3.0T MRI scanner (XA61-SP1 software version), which is equipped with Gemini Gradients. These advanced gradients have the highest commercially available gradient strenth in a whole-body scanner (200 mT/m at 200 T/m/s). The Cima.X scanner is equipped with scan sequences including: simultaneous multi-slice (AKA multi-band), RESOLVE, HASTE, and ZOOMit for performing functional, structural, diffusion, and ASL imaging. Available coils include 20-, 32-, and 64-channel head coils, large and small flex coils, and a spine coil. The MRI scanner bore is 60 cm.

The scanner room is equipped with MR-compatible behavioral equipment including: a BOLDscreeen 32 monitor (Cambridge Research System), a fiber optic response system (Current Designs) including button box and joystick, both in-ear (Sensimetrics model S14) and over-the-ear headphones, and an eye tracking system (Eyelink 1000). The Facility will provide a fiber optic microphone (Optoacoustics FOMRI-III) with adaptive noise cancelling capabilities. The microphone features perpendicual dual channels; response frequencies from 50-20,000 Hz; maximum sound pressure level (SPL) 130 dB SPL; less than 1% total harmonic distortion at 94 dB SPL; sampling frequencies of either 8,000 or 16,000 Hz; and latencies as low as 16 ms. Post-processing software (OptiMRI) performs real-time speech enhancement using noise reduction algorithms optimized for acoustic MRI characteristics. Stimuli may be presented using either a dedicated stimulus presentation computer equipped with Psychtoolbox for Matlab and PsychoPy or with a researcher-supplied laptop.

The Facility also houses a state-of-the-art 64-channel EEG system (BrainVision LLC), designed to support high-resolution neural data acquisition across a range of cognitive neuroscience paradigms. The core of the system is the actiCHamp Plus amplifier, which provides high input impedance and active shielding for low-noise signal acquisition. The amplifier is used in conjunction with BrainVision Recorder software, ensuring flexible and precise data capture.

The system includes multiple actiCAP slim 32-channel electrode bundles, allowing for full 64-channel coverage using active electrodes that minimize signal degradation. Electrode placement is facilitated through a set of actiCAP Snap caps in various sizes (46cm–60cm) tailored for children and adults. These caps are made of high-comfort, white fabric and use oval cuts with subtemporal or subinion layouts, allowing consistent electrode placement and participant comfort during extended recordings.

EEG data are collected in an electrically-shielded and sound-attenuated recording room, minimizing environmental noise and electrical interference. Stimulus presentation is delivered via a high-refresh-rate (165Hz) display monitor, synchronized with the EEG system using a TriggerBox Plus for millisecond-level timing precision. We also utilize a StimTrak kit and acoustic stimulator adapter for precise integration of auditory and auxiliary physiological signals.

Further facilities include a participant changing room with secure lockers, a waiting room for participants and those accompanying them, behavioral testing rooms, a mock MRI scanner, and a conference room. The Facility Director’s office is located in the Facility space.