Mechanically Adjustable 4-Channel RF Transceiver Coil Array for Rat Brain Imaging in a Whole-Body 7 T MR Scanner

Investigations of human brain disorders are frequently conducted in rodent models using magnetic resonance imaging. Due to the small specimen size and the increase in signal-to-noise ratio with the static magnetic field strength, dedicated small-bore animal scanners can be used to acquire high-resolution data. Ultra-high-field (≥7 T) whole-body human scanners are increasingly available, and they can also be used for animal investigations. Dedicated sensors, in this case, radiofrequency coils, are required to achieve sufficient sensitivity for the high spatial resolution needed for imaging small anatomical structures. In this work, a four-channel transceiver coil array for rat brain imaging at 7 T is presented, which can be adjusted for use on a wide range of differently sized rats, from infants to large adults. Three suitable array designs (with two to four elements covering the whole rat brain) were compared using full-wave 3D electromagnetic simulation. An optimized static B₁⁺ shim was derived to maximize B₁⁺ in the rat brain for both small and big rats. The design, together with a 3D-printed adjustable coil housing, was tested and validated in ex vivo rat bench and MRI measurements.