Method and apparatus for high-gain magnetic resonance imaging
First Claim
1. A magnetic resonance imaging system having an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, the system comprising:
- a magnet system for providing a static magnetic field having a low magnetic field strength; and
at least one RF receiving coil assembly including;
a coiled electrical conducting element consisting essentially of carbon nanotube material; and
RF receiving circuitry having a large quality factor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for Magnetic Resonance Imaging with specialized imaging coils possessing high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Imaging and/or Radio Frequency receiving coils include a ballistic electrical conductor such as carbon nanotubes, the ballistic electrical conductor having a resistance that does not increase significantly with length. Due to their enhanced SNR properties, system designs with smaller static magnetic field strength can be constructed for the same quality of imaging, leading to substantial reductions in system size and cost, as well as to enhanced imaging with existing MRI systems.
85 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A magnetic resonance imaging system having an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, the system comprising:
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a magnet system for providing a static magnetic field having a low magnetic field strength; and
at least one RF receiving coil assembly including;
a coiled electrical conducting element consisting essentially of carbon nanotube material; and
RF receiving circuitry having a large quality factor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A magnetic resonance imaging system comprising:
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a magnet system for providing a static inhomogeneous magnetic field within an imaging volume, such that the static inhomogeneous magnetic field is stronger in some portions of the imaging volume than in other portions of the imaging volume where the static magnetic field is weaker; and
at least one RF receiving coil including a coiled electrical conducting element consisting essentially of carbon nanotubes, the at least one RF receiving coil being of a configuration, and being positioned, such that;
a magnetic field of the RF receiving coil is stronger in some portions of the imaging volume than in other portions of the imaging volume where the magnetic field of the RF receiving coil is weaker; and
the magnetic field of the RF receiving coil is stronger in the portions of the imaging volume where the static inhomogeneous magnetic field is weaker.
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32. For use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, an RF receiving coil assembly including:
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a coiled electrical conducting element consisting essentially of carbon nanotube material; and
RF receiving circuitry having a large quality factor
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33. A magnetic resonance imaging system having an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, the system comprising:
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a magnet system for providing a magnetic field; and
at least one RF receiving coil assembly including;
a coiled electrical conducting element consisting essentially of carbon nanotube material; and
RF receiving circuitry having a quality factor greater than 15.
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Specification