Optimizing the element numbers to improve dipole antenna array for 14 Tesla MRI

Motivation: The multi-channel RF coil scheme for 14T head imaging has not been defined yet. Goal(s): Our goal was to optimize the number of elements in the dipole antenna array in order to achieve optimal performance at 14T. Approach: We obtained the $$$\text{B}_{1}^{+}$$$ field distributions and SAR distributions of dipole antenna arrays with 8, 12, 16, and 20 channels through electromagnetic simulation, and compared their performances. Results: The results showed that the 12-channel dipole antenna array exhibits superior performance. Impact: The number of channels in an RF coil at ultrahigh fields requires a trade-off between RF field uniformity and inter-cell coupling; 12-channel dipole antenna array serves as a suitable reference coil for 14T head imaging.