An open-source, low-cost 8-channel transmit/receive 3T head coil for pTx developments, MR safety testing and standardization

This work investigates an open-source, low-cost 8-channel transmit/receive head coil to enable rapid and reproducible pTx development, safety assessment and evaluation at 3T. FDTD simulations were validated with phantom measurements on a 3T with an external pTx system. Relative and absolute 2D/3D B1+-maps were acquired to compute the CP+ mode, and two RF shims were tailored to enforce B1+ efficiency and homogeneity. The open-access design files could serve as a basis for new RF coil designs or pTx projects without needing high expertise in RF coil development or as a cost-effective alternative for multi-centre studies.