Three-Line Microstrip Array for Whole-Body MRI System at 7 T

This paper proposes the use of a triple-line microstrip array for transmitting a magnetic field (|B<sub>1</sub><sup>+</sup>|) into the whole body for magnetic resonance applications at ultra-high field strength, such as 7 T. We explored some technologies that can potentially...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Daniel Hernandez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-12-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/1/73
Description
Summary:This paper proposes the use of a triple-line microstrip array for transmitting a magnetic field (|B<sub>1</sub><sup>+</sup>|) into the whole body for magnetic resonance applications at ultra-high field strength, such as 7 T. We explored some technologies that can potentially be applied for whole-body 7 T magnetic resonance imaging, as there is ongoing research on this topic. The triple-line microstrip transmission line (t-MTL) array consists of 32 channels. Each channel has a t-MTL, comprising a main conductor line and two adjacent coupled lines. The adjacent lines are not connected directly to the source. This configuration resulted in increased intensity and a centered |B<sub>1</sub><sup>+</sup>|-field. We compared the proposed structure and some reference radiofrequency (RF) transmitters, such as a patch antenna, using a magnet bore as a waveguide and a whole-body birdcage coil. We evaluated the performance of the t-MTL using cylindrical phantoms. We computed the |B<sub>1</sub><sup>+</sup>|-field from each RF transmitter inside a 3D human model containing more than 200 tissues. We compared their uniformity and field intensity and proposed a t-MTL array that yielded better performance. The proposed design also showed a lower specific absorption rate compared with a patch antenna.
ISSN:2076-3417