Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate an approach for local reduction of the electric field amplitude of the transmitted radio-frequency signal in ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We excite a suitable combination of three coupled dipole hybrid resonances composing a single transmit antenna array element. Using numerical optimization, we designed a feeding network for three coupled dipoles placed over an electromagnetic phantom mimicking a human body. This network of discrete elements provides the appropriate amplitudes and phases of three dipole currents excited by a single input port. It allows controlling the electric field distribution in the vicinity of the antenna. Our goal was to obtain a minimum of the electric field at the given relatively small depth inside the phantom, where body implants are typically located while keeping a tolerable level of the magnetic field toward the phantom’s center. We designed and manufactured a three-dipole antenna prototype optimized for MRI of the human body at 7 T (proton Larmor frequency of 298 MHz). The experimental validation showed a 40 dB reduction of the electric field amplitude at a depth of 4 cm compared to a conventional single-dipole antenna. The coupling network can be rearranged to target different depths. Therefore, a principle of electric field minimization at a controllable position inside the body has been shown, which may be useful for designing transmit MRI antennas with improved safety of implants.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.