Direct RF magnetic field conversion by electro-optic effect for MR endoluminal coil

The benefit of MR endoluminal coil was demonstrated for imaging of internal tissue layers such as colon walls [1]. However, since metallic coaxial cables are used, heating phenomena may occur in neighbored biological tissues due to local electric field concentration [2]. Optical fiber link for MR signal transmission could be used to overcome local heating, thus ensuring patient safety. In this work, the use of electro-optic effect occurring in a LiTaO3 crystal associated to a single loop endoluminal coil to perform a local electro-optic conversion was demonstrated and characterized