Odd-Leg Birdcages for Geometric Decoupling in Multinuclear Imaging and Spectroscopy

The utility of interleaved odd-number leg birdcage coils is demonstrated for decoupling in double- and triple-tuned multinuclear applications. The birdcage was designed to geometrically decouple from a planar double-tuned (¹H-²³Na) array and from a ³¹P saddle coil insert to create a triple-tuned configuration. Comparisons between an actively detuned coil and a purely geometrically decoupled architecture were used to demonstrate the capabilities of the design. In particular cases, the simplicity and adaptability of the interleaved nine-leg design for multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) offer a straightforward alternative to the often complex and lossy designs currently available for multinuclear birdcages and volume coils.