An 8 Channel Transmit-Receive RF Volume Coil for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Development of an 8 channel transmit and receive Magnetic Resonance RF imaging coil was investigated using magnet field simulations. Experimental data was obtained through the design of a T/R switch, 8-way power splitter and 8 individually resonant coil elements. Simulated magnetic field plots were shown for a well-known RF volume coil, and compared to that which was theoretically achievable using the 8 coil channels, by way of the 8 way power splitters and corresponding phase relationships during transmit. The SNR and uniformity of the prototype was measured using the MRI system. Magnetic field simulations were compared to flip angle maps, comparing transmit fields, and receive sensitivities were compared to measured signal intensities. Full electronics characterization is described, and optimization was achieved by following the described design process. Proof of concept showed minor implications in using 8 individual coil elements to transmit a uniform magnetic field over a volume, while known receiver sensitivities were shown to correspond to simulated fields