A Separated Transmit-Only, Receive-Only Array for Body Imaging at 7T with Automated Tuning and Matching Capabilities

Carl Snyder¹, Lance DelaBarre¹, Aaron T. Hess², Chris Rodgers², Mattew Robson², University of Minnesota University of Minnesota Vaughan¹

Describe below is a novel 16-channel TEM transmit-Only array used with a 32-channel receive-only loop array for body imaging at 7T. Additionally, and more importantly, we describe an electromechanical method for automating the tuning and matching process for the 16 transmit elements using piezoelectric actuators. Automation of the tuning and matching procedure took, on average 50s and with an average S11 greater than 20dB. Following tuning and matching the array successfully imaged the human torso.