Rapid multi-slice whole-brain B1+-mapping at 7T using deep learning

In this work we utilize deep learning to estimate multi-slice whole-brain B1+-maps in sub-seconds from initial localizer scans at 7T. The investigated neural networks use the receive profiles of the individual coil elements of an 8Tx/8Rx transceiver head coil as input information. The networks are trained on seven volunteers and tested in 2 unseen subjects for transversal/coronal/sagittal slices by comparing the prediction with the acquired B1+-maps. Subsequently, the feasibility of using the DL-based B1+-maps in a subject-specific calibration pipeline is demonstrated.