Localization of current dipole within a sphere by magnetic measurements

The principal objective of this study is the development of computer programs to determine the location and strength of neural electric activity within the brain from noninvasive magnetic field measurements at the surface of the head. This report presents theoretical calculations and computer programs derived from the method described by Williamson and Kaufman to determine the depth and strength of a current dipole in a sphere. From the location of the magnetic field radial component extremes, Br maximum and Br minimum, the orientation and location of the current dipole can be determined. The accuracy of the solution is dependent on precise location of of the magnetic field extremes as measured from the surface of a sphere, e.g. the head. To validate the program for locating the dipole, theoretical calculations and computer programs related to the total magnetic field vector resulting from a hypothetical current source within a homogeneous sphere were generated. The errors in calculations of the current dipole depth and strength are presented.