Optical Detuning Strategies for Light Coil Elements

Motivation: Optical signal/power transmission eliminates conducting transmission lines and cable cross-talk facilitating safe receive arrays with higher number of channels. To completely eliminate galvanic connections between an RF coil and the receiver, optical detuning is also needed. Goal(s): To optimize optical detuning performance. Approach: Detuning methods using photodiodes and phototransistors were implemented on a shielded-loop-resonator at 3T. SNR, detuning quality and optical power requirements were compared. Results: Optical detuning allows for implementing various detuning networks with a detuning performance comparable to traditional methods at low optical power requirements. Impact: Effective low-power optical detuning is essential for realizing fully optical receive coil designs. We compared various components and introduced new detuning networks. Results of this study are also useful for active markers used in interventional devices or implanted coils.