TY - GEN
T1 - Automated tuning and matching of a 16-channel TEM transmit-only array used in conjunction with a 32-channel receive-only loop array for MR cardiac imaging at 7 tesla
AU - Snyder, Carl J.
AU - DelaBarre, Lance
AU - Vaughan, J. Thomas
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - Radiofrequency (RF) coils are antenna-like devices used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to inductively excite and receive the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal in anatomy. Recently, coil arrays have shown significant advantages over large single channel volume coils at ultra-high magnetic field strengths. However, to maximize the full potential, each individual coil within the array needs to be 'tuned and matched' to the anatomy (load) prior to imaging. Tuning and matching can be a tedious and time consuming process, and has been cited as a problem that precludes ultra-high field strength MRI from a becoming a clinical reality. Here, we have developed an electromechanical solution. A 16-channel transmit-only TEM array was designed and fitted with piezoelectric actuators mechanically linked to sliding cylindrical tuning and matching capacitors to automate the tuning and matching process, based on the coil's reflection coefficient.
AB - Radiofrequency (RF) coils are antenna-like devices used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to inductively excite and receive the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal in anatomy. Recently, coil arrays have shown significant advantages over large single channel volume coils at ultra-high magnetic field strengths. However, to maximize the full potential, each individual coil within the array needs to be 'tuned and matched' to the anatomy (load) prior to imaging. Tuning and matching can be a tedious and time consuming process, and has been cited as a problem that precludes ultra-high field strength MRI from a becoming a clinical reality. Here, we have developed an electromechanical solution. A 16-channel transmit-only TEM array was designed and fitted with piezoelectric actuators mechanically linked to sliding cylindrical tuning and matching capacitors to automate the tuning and matching process, based on the coil's reflection coefficient.
KW - 7 tesla
KW - Impedance matching
KW - Magnetic resonance imaging
KW - Microstrip arrays
KW - Piezoelectric actuation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84893273537&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84893273537&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/MWSYM.2013.6697724
DO - 10.1109/MWSYM.2013.6697724
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84893273537
SN - 9781467361767
T3 - IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest
BT - 2013 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest, MTT 2013
T2 - 2013 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest, MTT 2013
Y2 - 2 June 2013 through 7 June 2013
ER -