Intraoral Coax-based Dipole Antenna for Improved Dental Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Motivation: In this work, we investigated the performance of a coaxial dipole antenna compared with a single wire for dental MRI at 3 T. Goal(s): A fully flexible coaxial dipole antenna was designed and optimized with an aim to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, image quality, and sensitivity while maintaining safety performances. Approach: Based on electromagnetic simulations and MRI results it is demonstrated that in single conductor has a current distribution, which is strongly inhomogeneous leading to inhomogeneous B1+ field distribution. Results: In contrast, coaxial cable with multiple gaps offers homogenous current distribution yielded to optimum B1+ field distribution. Impact: The development of a fully flexible coaxial intraoral antenna with lightweight, capable of overcoming impedance and homogeneity challenges, has the potential to revolutionize dental MRI. Enhanced patient comfort and adaptability improve image quality, advancing dental MRI's utility in medical imaging.