What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to enhance the homogeneity of transmit signals in 7T MRI neuroimaging using metasurfaces.

April 18, 2026Open Access

Enhancement of in vivo 7T magnetic resonance neuroimaging via flexible metasurfaces

Key Points

The research aims to enhance the homogeneity of transmit signals in 7T MRI neuroimaging using metasurfaces.
Evaluated paired metasurfaces near the temporal lobes in five healthy volunteers.
Compared metasurfaces to dielectric pads and reference scans.
Measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) across brain regions including temporal lobes and cerebellum.
Metasurfaces improved SNR across the brain: FLAIR showed ~24% and MPRAGE ~97%.
In temporal lobes, SNR improved: FLAIR ~57% and MPRAGE ~212%.
Simulations indicated a 23.5% increase in peak specific absorption rate (SAR) compared to reference.

Abstract

Ultra-high-field (≥7T) MRI suffers from poor transmit (B₁⁺) homogeneity, particularly in neuroimaging. This study evaluated paired metasurfaces near the temporal lobes in five healthy volunteers versus dielectric pads and reference scans. Metasurfaces markedly improved SNR across the brain (FLAIR: ~24%, MPRAGE: ~97%) and in the temporal lobes (FLAIR: ~57%, MPRAGE: ~212%), also recovering signal in the cerebellum and neck. Simulations indicated a 23.5% increase in peak SAR compared to reference.

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