Helmet RF Applicator for Enhancing Focal RF Power Deposition in Thermal Magnetic Resonance of the Brain at 7T

Thermal Magnetic Resonance (ThermalMR) uses an RF-applicator to add a thermal intervention dimension to a diagnostic imaging device. Optimizing the performance of RF applicator configurations can eventually improve the performance of ThemalMR. This work examines the feasibility of multi-channel RF applicators using broadband Self-Grounded Bow-Tie (SGBT) antenna building blocks. The focus is on enhancing focal RF power deposition in a target volume by using a multi-channel helmet RF array configuration versus conventional annular RF arrays. Our preliminary findings obtained for the human head voxel model Duke show improved target coverage of high SAR10g and high temperature for the helmet configuration.