Nonlinear metamaterials enhanced surface coil array for parallel magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial medical imaging modality, with parallel MRI accelerating scans but often reducing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Recent advances in metamaterials have shown considerable potential in enhancing the SNR of MRI and consequently improving the quality of parallel MRI. In this study, we present a nonlinear metamaterial comprising nonlinear meta-atoms designed to selectively enhance the radio-frequency reception field in MRI, while minimizing interference with the radio-frequency transmission field. We develop an electromagnetic field-circuit joint simulation process for analyzing and optimizing the nonlinear response. Experimental validation confirms that nonlinear metamaterial integration in a surface coil array delivers a 3-fold SNR increase for parallel MRI compared to using the surface coil array alone. This research advances our understanding of such metamaterials and demonstrates their potential for practical utilization in MRI and clinical settings, thereby promising substantial enhancements in imaging capabilities.