Double-Row 16-element Folded-End Dipole Transceiver Array for Human Whole Brain Imaging at 9.4 T.

Homogeneity and coverage of transmit (Tx) RF coils at ultra-high field (UHF,>7 T) can be improved by 3D RF shimming. This, however, requires using multi-row Tx-arrays. Dipole antennas provide unique simplicity and robustness while offering comparable Tx-efficiency and SNR to conventional loop designs. Single-row UHF dipole Tx-arrays for human head imaging have been previously described. Recently, we developed a novel type of dipole elements, a folded-end dipole, which improved the longitudinal coverage and specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency. In this work, we developed, constructed, and evaluated a 16-element double-row transceiver folded-end dipole array for human whole-brain imaging at 9.4 T.