Enabling Wide-Area Imaging in MR Microscopy with a Double Helix Dipole Coil

Motivation: The DHD coil in the previous study had a narrow sensitivity region. We developed a DHD coil with improved sensitivity region and B1 uniformity to image large samples while maintaining SNR. Goal(s): Imaging of all organs, especially the brain of a human embryo, using a coil with a wider sensitivity region. Approach: We performed electromagnetic field simulations to find the shape that would give the best performance, and fabricated the coil. Results: The imageable area was widened by 30% and the insensitive area was reduced. Not only the brain of a human embryo, but also organs could be imaged at the same time. Impact: The DHD coil's geometry was determined by electromagnetic field simulation, which allows a 30% wider range in the z-axis than conventional coils. The human embryonic brain and organs such as the heart could be simultaneously imaged with sufficient SNR.