Quantitative Evaluation of Microstrip, Dipole, and L/C Loop pTx Arrays for UHF MR Imaging

TL;DR

This paper compares microstrip, dipole, and L/C loop pTx arrays for UHF MRI, evaluating their electromagnetic properties and decoupling performance through simulations to inform optimal array selection.

Contribution

It provides a systematic simulation-based comparison of three common RF coil array types for ultrahigh field MRI, highlighting their advantages and limitations.

Findings

Microstrip arrays offer compactness and customizable lengths.

Dipole arrays provide deeper tissue penetration.

L/C loop arrays have distinct electromagnetic characteristics.

Abstract

Ultra-high field MRI (7T+) unlocks a new era of brain research with superior resolution and signal-to-noise. Capturing intricate neural activity and detailed soft tissue pathology, this technology, coupled with advanced RF coil arrays, holds immense potential for clinical diagnosis and discovery. For high-field body imaging, microstrip resonators and dipole arrays for high-field body imaging show promise due to high-frequency operation and improved decoupling. Microstrip arrays excel in compactness, reduced radiation loss, and customizable lengths. Dipole arrays excel in deeper body penetration. Shorter wavelengths at ultrahigh fields can cause image inhomogeneity and elevated SAR. Multichannel transmit arrays address these issues. This research compares three common array types (L/C loop, microstrip, dipole) using CST Studio simulations to evaluate electric/magnetic fields and decoupling. This can guide RF array selection for ultrahigh field MRI.