Novel transmitter designs for magnetic resonance imaging

In this thesis novel transmitter designs for human magnetic resonance imaging for high static magnetic field strengths (7 Tesla) were developed. The theory for both dielectric resonators as well as plasma based resonators have been described in the introduction and outline. It was shown that by using empirically derived formulas and computer simulations dielectric resonators can be designed also by using water as a dielectric (chapter 2). In chapter 3 it was shown that alternative dielectric materials, especially high dielectric materials can be used instead of water. Chapter 4 shows the advanced usage of the technology developed in chapter 2 and chapter 3. Here an array for human cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla field strength was designed and constructed. In chapter 5 a first practical design for a plasma based transmit coil for magnetic resonance imaging was demonstrated. It was shown that it is possible to guide a surface wave via the plasma sheath within the magnetic resonance imaging system. The thesis ends with chapter 6 a general discussion and an outlook to possible future developments.