Modelling and B1 Shim Analysis of 16-Element Transceiver Array at 7 T

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Electromagnetics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy at 7 Tesla (T) require advanced radiofrequency (RF) coil designs for optimal performance.
• Accurate electromagnetic (EM) modeling is crucial for designing and validating transceiver array coils used in these demanding applications.
• The specific design examined is a cone-shaped, tight-fit parallel transmit head array with two rows of eight loop coils each.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the workflow for using commercial software for EM modeling and validation of a 298 MHz transceiver array coil for 7 T MRI.
• To assess the capabilities of the coil in transmitting two distinct spatial distributions using B1 shimming.
• To investigate considerations for simulation setup, post-processing, and online safety monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Utilized commercially available software for finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) electromagnetic simulations.
• Performed circuit-domain co-simulation for post-processing of the simulation results.
• Generated virtual observation points for the purpose of online safety monitoring.

Main Results:

• The study details the workflow for EM modeling and validation of the specified transceiver array coil.
• The B1 shimming capability allows for the transmission of two distinct spatial distributions.
• The methodology addresses simulation setup, post-processing, and the generation of virtual observation points for safety.

Conclusions:

• The examined workflow provides a viable method for the electromagnetic modeling and validation of high-performance transceiver array coils for 7 T MRI.
• The approach supports the development of advanced RF coils capable of precise B1 shimming for improved imaging and spectroscopy.
• The integration of virtual observation points enhances the potential for real-time safety monitoring during MRI procedures.