Topological Metamaterial for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ABSTRACT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial in global healthcare, but the traditional receive coils, as a core component of MRI, signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement is limited due to the optimization of channel number and magnetic field strength faces high cost and complexity challenges. Here, this work demonstrates the use of a topological material to enhance MRI signal reception. Designed with a stack of weak couplings, this material forms quasi‐two‐dimensional dual topological boundary states. High properties are achieved through low‐loss signal transmission via these topological states, as well as only enhanced local magnetic fields and an increased number of channels. Initial tests demonstrate superior performance and accessibility compared with commercial coils, suggesting significant potential. This concept introduces a transformative paradigm for all MRI coil designs.

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Publication Details

Journal
Interdisciplinary materials
Published
2026-06-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/idm2.70066
Primary Topic
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Topological Metamaterial for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Qian Cheng Zhao, Zhonghai Chi, X F Li, Jie Zhou et al.
Interdisciplinary materials
Topological Materials and Phenomena
article

Topological Metamaterial for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Qian Cheng Zhao, Zhonghai Chi, X F Li, Jie Zhou, Z L Chen, Zhuozhao Zheng, Maopeng Wu, Yakui Wang, Guoxiang Zhan, Siyong Zheng, Mingze Weng, F.H. Liu, Yi Yi, Wei Y, Shuojun Ling, Yingyi Qi, Jie Gao
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial in global healthcare, but the traditional receive coils, as a core component of MRI, signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement is limited due to the optimization of channel number and magnetic field strength faces high cost and complexity challenges. Here, this work demonstrates the use of a topological material to enhance MRI signal reception. Designed with a stack of weak couplings, this material forms quasi‐two‐dimensional dual topological boundary states. High properties are achieved through low‐loss signal transmission via these topological states, as well as only enhanced local magnetic fields and an increased number of channels. Initial tests demonstrate superior performance and accessibility compared with commercial coils, suggesting significant potential. This concept introduces a transformative paradigm for all MRI coil designs.

Interdisciplinary materials
Tsinghua–Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (CN), Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital (CN), State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Tsinghua University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Topological Materials and Phenomena
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