Design of a novel double-tuned RF coil system for 1H/13C MR imaging at 7T

Motivation: Hyperpolarized 13C MR imaging is of particular interest in cancer applications such as tumor staging and monitoring treatment response as it provides unique real-time metabolic information. Goal(s): This work is to develop a novel double-tuned RF coil that can achieve uniform excitation and highly sensitive acquisition for 1H/13C MR imaging at 7T. Approach: The numerical electromagnetic simulation was utilized to evaluate the feasibility and performance in s-parameters and B1+ field distributions. The bench tests were conducted to further validate the performance. Results: These simulated and measured results indicated that the development of an efficient 1H/13C RF coil for MR imaging at 7T. Impact: A novel double-tuned RF coil system that can achieve uniform excitation and highly sensitive acquisition for 1H/13C MR imaging at 7T was developed. This coil system has the potential to be used for hyperpolarized 13C MRI at ultra-high field.