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New design concept of monopole antenna array for UHF 7T MRI
Author(s) -
Hong SukMin,
Park Joshua Haekyun,
Woo MyungKyun,
Kim YoungBo,
Cho ZangHee
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.24844
Subject(s) - sensitivity (control systems) , monopole antenna , antenna (radio) , dipole antenna , physics , magnetic monopole , ultra high frequency , electromagnetic coil , dipole , acoustics , optics , nuclear magnetic resonance , computer science , electronic engineering , telecommunications , engineering , quantum mechanics
Purpose We have developed and evaluated a monopole antenna array that can increase sensitivity at the center of the brain for 7T MRI applications. Methods We have developed a monopole antenna array that has half the length of a conventional dipole antenna with eight channels for brain imaging with a 7T MRI. The eight‐channel monopole antenna array and conventional eight‐channel transceiver surface coil array were evaluated and compared in terms of transmit properties, specific absorption ratio (SAR), and sensitivity. The sensitivity maps were generated by dividing the SNR map by the flip angle distribution. Results A single surface coil provides asymmetric sensitivity resulting in reduced sensitivity at the center of the brain. In contrast, a single monopole antenna provides higher sensitivity at the center of the brain. Moreover, the monopole antenna array provides uniform sensitivity over the entire brain, and the sensitivity gain was 1.5 times higher at the center of the brain compared with the surface coil array. Conclusion The monopole antenna array is a promising candidate for MRI applications, especially for brain imaging in a 7T MRI because it provides increased sensitivity at the center of the brain. Magn Reson Med 71:1944–1952, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.