Towards dense parallel-transmit coil head array: 20-channel dipole and self-decoupled overlapped loop coil array design

Motivation: Traditional dense transmit arrays for 7T imaging face decoupling challenges. A novel approach using self-decoupled coils can potentially overcome these limitations and enhance transmit efficiency. Goal(s): Evaluating an in-house developed 20-element array combining dipoles with self-decoupled overlapped loop coils. Approach: Bench measurements, electromagnetic simulations on phantom and Duke, and MRI acquisitions were conducted to investigate the coil array's performance, assessing individual channel B1+-map efficiencies and decoupling capacitiesResults: Decoupled individual B1+ maps for dipoles, self-decoupled and overlapped loops were obtained for 20-channel head array using MRI measurement and simulations on phantom at 7T. S-matrix results on bench and simulations showed decoupled coil elements. Impact: Searching for alternative and complex coil array design for transmit and receive arrays might enable for more efficient and fast imaging at MRI with high resolution to enable better diagnostics and improved treatment planning.