An 8-Channel Transmit Array in Combination with a 31-Channel Receive Array for Human Brain Imaging at 11.7T

Motivation: RF challenges increase with field strength, and novel RF coil solutions are essential to capture the potential benefits at 11.7TGoal(s): To develop an efficient 8-channel transmit array in combination with a 31-channel receive array for whole brain MRI at 11.7TApproach: Combined electromagnetic and RF pulse design simulations were performed. A folded-end RF shield was developed to minimise signal loss due to wave propagation. The receive array was optimally integrated to preserve the spatial distribution of the B1+ field. Results: Whole-brain coverage was achieved with 8-channel transmit array and excellent agreement between simulation and measurements was observed. Impact: Identifying the coil losses and engineering solutions to mitigate them provides substantial gains in transmit performance, especially at 11.7T where the losses due to radiation is high. This approach can be extended to transmit array designs at other field strengths.