Abstract #4308

Improved performance of birdcage coils using a split-ring resonator magnetic shield.

Carel C. van Leeuwen¹, Martijn F. J. Lunenburg², Stanislav Glybovski³, Peter R. Luijten¹, Dennis W. J. Klomp¹, Cornelis A. T. van den Berg¹, and Alexander J. E. Raaijmakers^1,2

¹Imaging Division, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, ²Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands, ³Itmo University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Birdcage body coils make use of an RF shield that degrades B1 homogeneity of the birdcage and increases SAR levels in body parts close to the rungs. A magnetic conductor RF shield would solve this issue. A metamaterial structure of elongated split-ring resonators (SRR) was designed to achieve an artificial magnetic conductor. Simulations and measurements with planar SRR arrays over a dipole are performed. Increased B1+ penetration into phantoms is observed, indicating the shield behaves as a magnetic conductor. Additionally simulations of a birdcage antenna with such shield are performed, which show an improved B1 homogeneity with comparable SAR levels.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here