A self-decoupled 16-channel transmit, 80-channel receive array for 10.5 Tesla human head imaging

We present a splittable 16-channel self-decoupled (SD)1 transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) loop array combined with a 64-channel receive-only (Rx) loop array to generate a 80Rx/16Tx array for human head imaging at 10.5 Tesla. Compared to the previously presented SD transmitter, we designed, miniaturized, and integrated the MR system interface, including custom transmit/receive switches and preamplifiers, into the coil housing. We also implemented our new custom 128 receiver system, which supported this combined 80 channel receive configuration. Experimental MR results demonstrate advantages over our previous 16-channel transmit-only SD array and substantially increased central SNR with the 80-channel compared to the 64-Rx only configuration.