Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators

We introduce an analytical approach to design decoupling filters for MRI radiofrequency array elements, adopting counter-coupled passive resonators as unit-cells. Specifically, our method is based on a magneto-static hypothesis, thus a deep comprehension of the physical interactions between all the...

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Main Authors: Danilo Brizi, Nunzia Fontana, Agostino Monorchio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2021-01-01
Series:IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9354850/
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author Danilo Brizi
Nunzia Fontana
Agostino Monorchio
author_facet Danilo Brizi
Nunzia Fontana
Agostino Monorchio
author_sort Danilo Brizi
collection DOAJ
description We introduce an analytical approach to design decoupling filters for MRI radiofrequency array elements, adopting counter-coupled passive resonators as unit-cells. Specifically, our method is based on a magneto-static hypothesis, thus a deep comprehension of the physical interactions between all the elements in the system and design guidelines can be achieved. In particular, the couplings between adjacent and next-nearest neighbors coils pairs are both modeled, hence addressing the requirements for MRI arrays. The analytically-obtained filter solution is subsequently refined resorting to targeted full-wave simulations, reducing the computational effort. To prove the validity of the proposed approach, we conceived a test-case consisting of three planar RF coils, tuned at the 7T proton Larmor frequency. We demonstrated through full-wave simulations that the analytical design method is accurate and effective. Moreover, we fabricated a prototype and we performed benchtop measurements, both in unloaded conditions and in the presence of a biological phantom, resulting in excellent agreement with simulations. The developed analytical framework can be useful to model and control the mutual interactions between the various elements of an RF MRI system. In addition, the possibility to print the decoupling elements and the RF coils on the same dielectric substrate leads to a mechanically robust prototype.
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spelling doaj.art-8024bf1a64964944ae928550da9f845c2022-12-21T23:05:59ZengIEEEIEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation2637-64312021-01-01224925810.1109/OJAP.2021.30594959354850Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive ResonatorsDanilo Brizi0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0286-8300Nunzia Fontana1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6553-0270Agostino Monorchio2https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6063-4310Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyRass Lab, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni, Pisa, ItalyDepartment of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyWe introduce an analytical approach to design decoupling filters for MRI radiofrequency array elements, adopting counter-coupled passive resonators as unit-cells. Specifically, our method is based on a magneto-static hypothesis, thus a deep comprehension of the physical interactions between all the elements in the system and design guidelines can be achieved. In particular, the couplings between adjacent and next-nearest neighbors coils pairs are both modeled, hence addressing the requirements for MRI arrays. The analytically-obtained filter solution is subsequently refined resorting to targeted full-wave simulations, reducing the computational effort. To prove the validity of the proposed approach, we conceived a test-case consisting of three planar RF coils, tuned at the 7T proton Larmor frequency. We demonstrated through full-wave simulations that the analytical design method is accurate and effective. Moreover, we fabricated a prototype and we performed benchtop measurements, both in unloaded conditions and in the presence of a biological phantom, resulting in excellent agreement with simulations. The developed analytical framework can be useful to model and control the mutual interactions between the various elements of an RF MRI system. In addition, the possibility to print the decoupling elements and the RF coils on the same dielectric substrate leads to a mechanically robust prototype.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9354850/Decouplingdistributed magnetic traps (DMTs)radiofrequency arraymagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)mutual decouplingradio frequency (RF) coil
spellingShingle Danilo Brizi
Nunzia Fontana
Agostino Monorchio
Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators
IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation
Decoupling
distributed magnetic traps (DMTs)
radiofrequency array
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
mutual decoupling
radio frequency (RF) coil
title Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators
title_full Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators
title_fullStr Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators
title_full_unstemmed Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators
title_short Analytical Approach for MRI RF Array Coils Decoupling by Using Counter-Coupled Passive Resonators
title_sort analytical approach for mri rf array coils decoupling by using counter coupled passive resonators
topic Decoupling
distributed magnetic traps (DMTs)
radiofrequency array
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
mutual decoupling
radio frequency (RF) coil
url https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9354850/
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