Multi-port RF systems and methods for MRI
First Claim
1. A radio frequency antenna apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance system, comprising:
- a. an antenna structure of an approximately mesh-like form for carrying radio frequency current, said antenna structure comprisingi. conductor segments dispersed on a plurality of layers, andii. capacitive or inductive coupling junctures at a multitude of locations, said coupling junctures connecting electrically said conductor segments into an approximately mesh-like form,b. interface means for interfacing a magnetic resonance system'"'"'s radio frequency subsystem to said antenna structure at at least one spatial location for effecting control of radio frequency current distribution on said antenna structure,whereby said antenna apparatus performs radio frequency transmit/receive with substantially continuous and versatile current distribution patterns.
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Abstract
Optimizing RF coil currents'"'"' magnitude/phase relationship, temporal modulation and spatial distribution is crucial to MR imaging performance. One key aspect for the optimization is the knowledge of B1 spatial distribution and RF power deposition associated with a coil current pattern or a source configuration, and the use of the knowledge in the optimization. Another key aspect for the optimization is a hardware infrastructure that facilitates the optimization, with, specifically, a coil structure that supports flexible current path control. The present invention relates to calibration methods and multi-channel parallel RF transmit/receive coil assemblies that improve the performance of MR imaging by addressing both aspects.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A radio frequency antenna apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance system, comprising:
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a. an antenna structure of an approximately mesh-like form for carrying radio frequency current, said antenna structure comprising i. conductor segments dispersed on a plurality of layers, and ii. capacitive or inductive coupling junctures at a multitude of locations, said coupling junctures connecting electrically said conductor segments into an approximately mesh-like form, b. interface means for interfacing a magnetic resonance system'"'"'s radio frequency subsystem to said antenna structure at at least one spatial location for effecting control of radio frequency current distribution on said antenna structure, whereby said antenna apparatus performs radio frequency transmit/receive with substantially continuous and versatile current distribution patterns. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 19)
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7. A method for effecting electromagnetic field spatiotemporal variations with a multitude of interconnected current-carrying paths, comprising:
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a. providing at least one antenna structure, each said antenna structure comprising multiple layers of conductor segments sandwiching at least one flat or curved sheet of non-conducting material thereby forming a network of electrically interconnected paths for accommodating radio frequency current spatiotemporal variations, b. providing interfacing means for interfacing a magnetic resonance system'"'"'s radio frequency subsystem to said antenna structure at at least one spatial location thereby effecting control of radio frequency current distribution on said antenna structure, c. providing current control means, comprising radio frequency pulses for transmit and signal/data combination for receive, whereby said method facilitates creation of diverse electromagnetic field spatiotemporal variations, including variations that enhance effectiveness of radio frequency transmit/receive. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20)
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15. A method for effecting electromagnetic field spatiotemporal variations with a network of current-carrying paths, comprising:
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a. providing measurement means for quantifying effects of radio frequency wave propagation, b. obtaining a finite number of measurements with said measurement means, c. providing a prediction means based on said finite number of measurements, said prediction means predict effects of radio frequency wave propagation, including energy transmission/dissipation, due to transmission of any predetermined radio frequency pulses, d. applying said prediction means in the calculation of radio frequency pulses that are to energize a network of current-carrying paths, e. energizing said network of current-carrying paths with said radio frequency pulses to effect electromagnetic field spatiotemporal variations, whereby said prediction means and said calculation of radio frequency pulses proactively manage radio frequency energy transmission/dissipation. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification