Multi-row and Loopole-type Self-decoupled RF Coils

Self-decoupled coils that do not require additional decoupling treatments provide increased freedom for RF array design. However, only a single-row array was demonstrated in the initial work and it is not clear whether this design can be applied to multi-row arrays. Furthermore, the initial self-decoupled coil was fed in a horizontal conductor and thus its B₁ field was same as that of a conventional loop. If fed at a corner or in a vertical conductor, the self-decoupled coil may exhibit asymmetric currents and act as a “loopole” which can be used to improve transmit or receive performance. In this work, we proposed several solutions for multi-row arrays and also investigate loopole-type self-decoupled coils. We found that the self-decoupled coil design can be applied to multi-row arrays with a simple modification (fed at corner) or adding another decoupling method (such as overlapping). The self-decoupled method could also be used to improve transmit efficiency and SNR by optimizing the feed port’s positions.