Daniel James Lee1, Paul M. Glover1
1Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
A novel eight-element head coil is proposed for imaging at 7T. This coil utilises a hemispherical geometry and a strip line short-circuited at the open end in order to minimise SAR in the shoulders while still providing good image quality. Simulations confirm that SAR in the shoulders is reduced compared to a birdcage coil. The coupling between elements is measured using a prototype and network analyzer. Decoupling of the elements is achieved using an electrical and magnetic screen as well as a decoupling circuit.