A 48-channel multi-coil shim array for B0 inhomogeneities correction in the NHP brain at 7T.

Motivation: Functional MRI faces challenges due to B0 field inhomogeneities, which are amplified in non-human primate studies, especially at ultra-high fields. Goal(s): Our aim was to develop a Multi-Coil Array (MCA) specifically designed for whole brain shimming of non-human primates. Approach: A semi-heuristic approach was used to design an MCA, based on the Principal Components Analysis of subject-optimal stream functions. The MCA was then constructed and used to image an in-vivo NHP brain. Results: The designed MCA effectively reduced B0 inhomogeneities in the primate brain, resulting in significant improvements in B0 homogenization and enhanced image quality in functional MRI images at 7T. Impact: The development of a Multi-Coil Shim Array designed specifically for non-human primates significantly improves functional MRI image quality by effectively reducing B0 inhomogeneities. This advancement could pave the way for more accurate and detailed primate brain studies at ultra-high fields.