Radio frequency eddy current losses for an annular conductor in MRI: theory and applications

A theoretical derivation of the equivalent loading resistance of an annular volume conductor within a magnetic resonance imaging radio frequency (RF) coil is presented. Theoretical predictions of the magnitude of the load resistance agree well with measurement over a range of frequencies. The loading resistance is proportional to the sample conductivity, the frequency and coil sensitivity squared, and depends strongly upon the sample dimensions. The orientation of the magnetic vector potential for the specific coil geometry is also important. An experimental comparison of loading by annular and cylindrical objects with the human head over the imaging frequency range is made. Cylindrical test objects are adversely affected by the skin effect. The optimum means of simulating RF induced losses for quality assurance and performance evaluation is discussed in the light of these results.