Abstract
Purpose: Receive array layout, noise mitigation, and B0 field strength are crucial contributors to SNR and parallel-imaging performance. Here, we investigate SNR and parallel-imaging gains at 10.5 T compared with 7 T using 32-channel receive arrays at both fields. Methods: A self-decoupled 32-channel receive array for human brain imaging at 10.5 T (10.5T-32Rx), consisting of 31 loops and one cloverleaf element, was co-designed and built in tandem with a 16-channel dual-row loop transmitter. Novel receive array design and self-decoupling techniques were implemented. Parallel imaging performance, in terms of SNR and noise amplification (g-factor), of the 10.5T-32Rx was compared with the performance of an industry-standard 32-channel receiver at 7 T (7T-32Rx) through experimental phantom measurements. Results: Compared with the 7T-32Rx, the 10.5T-32Rx provided 1.46 times the central SNR and 2.08 times the peripheral SNR. Minimum inverse g-factor value of the 10.5T-32Rx (min[1/g] = 0.56) was 51% higher than that of the 7T-32Rx (min[1/g] = 0.37) with R = 4 × 4 2D acceleration, resulting in significantly enhanced parallel-imaging performance at 10.5 T compared with 7 T. The g-factor values of 10.5 T-32 Rx were on par with those of a 64-channel receiver at 7 T (eg, 1.8 vs 1.9, respectively, with R = 4 × 4 axial acceleration). Conclusion: Experimental measurements demonstrated effective self-decoupling of the receive array as well as substantial gains in SNR and parallel-imaging performance at 10.5 T compared with 7 T.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1759-1772 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Magnetic resonance in medicine |
Volume | 86 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Keywords
- RF coils
- noise correlation
- parallel imaging
- receive array
- self-decoupling
- ultrahigh-field MRI