Parallel Transceiver Array Design Using the Modified Folded Dipole for 7T Body Applications

Wonje Lee¹, Martijn A. Cloos², Daniel Sodickson¹, Graham Wiggins¹

Despite SNR benefits at high fields, body imaging at 7T is challenging as major difficulties remain in strong B1 inhomogeneity, less penetration depth, B1 twisting, and increased SAR in conductive objects. To allow for effective excitations for body applications with a broad variety of pulse design methods, we adopt a new antenna design, modified-folded dipole (mf-dipole), as a transceiver array. The array performance was found to be beneficial to UHF body imaging in favor of transmit efficiency and better B1 characterization. Initial in-vivo images with a 3 spoke pTx pulse aiming for uniform excitation are presented.