16-Channel 11.7T Transmit Array with Integrated Field Probes

Transmit arrays are essential to mitigate B1+ inhomogeneity at extremely high static magnetic field strengths. In addition, the transmit elements must be arranged in multiple rows to achieve whole-brain coverage at 11.7T. Furthermore, concurrent field monitoring probes offer the possibility to improve MR image quality by correcting subject-specific k-space trajectories and monitoring real-time dynamic field fluctuations. The placement of these probes must be carefully controlled to achieve proper probe conditioning as well as to preserve the RF performance of the transmit array. This work presents the numerical simulation and optimization of a 16-channel-transmit array with integrated field probes.