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Radiofrequency coils for magnetic resonance microscopy

Thomas Neuberger1, Andrew Webb

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.

NMR in Biomedicine
|February 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Efficient coil design is crucial for magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratios. Advanced coil technologies, including superconducting and phased array coils, enhance data acquisition speed and sample throughput.

Area of Science:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Biophysics
  • Electrical Engineering

Background:

  • Magnetic Resonance (MR) microscopy requires higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) compared to conventional MRI due to significantly fewer spins per voxel.
  • High magnetic fields used in MR microscopy introduce challenges like increased component losses, skin-depth-dependent resistance, and radiation effects in coil design.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss efficient coil designs for MR microscopy.
  • To highlight coil configurations suitable for various sample sizes and recent advancements improving performance.

Main Methods:

  • Discussion of coil types based on sample size: wire solenoids/planar coils for <1 mm samples, and saddle/birdcage/Alderman-Grant/millipede coils for several mm samples.
  • Review of advanced techniques including multiple-coil probes, phased arrays, and small superconducting coils.

Main Results:

  • Specific coil designs are optimal for different sample dimensions.
  • Multiple-coil probes and phased arrays reduce acquisition time and increase sample throughput.
  • Small superconducting coils offer superior SNR compared to room-temperature equivalents.

Conclusions:

  • Optimized coil design is essential for effective MR microscopy, balancing SNR and acquisition time.
  • Technological advancements in coil technology continue to push the boundaries of MR microscopy capabilities.

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