A Next Generation Surface Array For Body Imaging at 7T

Motivation: Improved RF coil performance is needed to realize the gains from UHF body imaging. Goal(s): Design a 7T body array with improved stability and increased transmit/receive performance. Approach: A 32 channel loop-dipole (32LD) array was constructed with a shield allowing for on board electronics. Dipoles were transceivers while loops were coupled in groups of three on transmit while receiving separately. Comparisons were made with an existing 16LD array. Results: The 32LD is more stable, has a lower flatter z-profile on transmit, 20% higher central SNR and supports parallel imaging on all axesImpact: The new 32LD array provides a more robust platform for clinical translation of UHF body imaging while approaching the theoretical gains in SNR and improved parallel imaging performance enabling increased spatiotemporal resolutions at 7T.