A 16 Channel TxRx Coaxial-End Dipole Array for Combined Head and C-spine MRI at 9.4T

Motivation: To design an array for combined head and C-spine MR-imaging at 9.4T Goal(s): To evaluate the 16-channel transceiver coaxial-end dipole array numerically and experimentally for combined head and C-spine imaging at 9.4T. Approach: First, a CAD model of holder for head and C-spine array was designed. Using this holder, numerical model of array was created and evaluated using CST Studio. Based on simulations, prototype of array was produced and evaluated, including MR imaging of a healthy volunteer. Results: The prototype of 16-channel coaxial-end dipole array for 9.4T was evaluated numerically and experimentally. Combined images of the head and C-spine were acquired at 9.4T. Impact: We developed a 16-channel array for combined head and C-spine MRI at 9.4T. The array could be used for MR studies of this region at 9.4T. The proposed design could also be adapted to 7T or 10.5T.