Simulated radiation patterns of MRI without a shielded room from 0.5 to 7 Tesla

Far-field electromagnetic radiation patterns and levels were simulated on the 10m radius regulatory sphere for conventional MRI scanners at 0.5T, 1.5T, 3T, and 7T operated without an RF shielded room. The levels and patterns were strongly affected by the symmetry of the load. With a body load, the peak E-fields on a 10m radius surface rose with roughly the square of the frequency and far exceeded regulatory limits even for 0.5T. With the body in the bore, the radiated patterns also take on a highly asymmetric pattern not present for more symmetric loads.