Motivation: The quest for improved imaging capabilities in the ultra-high field MRI has prompted the development of advanced radio frequency coil technologies. Goal(s): This study aims to improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) using a near-field coupling head coil with 40 elements. Approach: The near-field coupling head coil was designed and combined with a 48-channel head and neck coil on a 5.0T MRI system. Results: Compared to the only head and neck coil, the novel near-field coupling coil is more closely aligned with the imaging subjects, thereby improving the SNR and enabling high-resolution imaging. Impact: The novel near-field coupling head coil represents a significant scholarly contribution to the field of magnetic resonance technology. This innovative design promises to enhance imaging performance at ultra-high field MRI, which will facilitate more accurate diagnostic assessments and paving the way for new frontiers in MRI research and clinical practice.
Tan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.