Abstract: A system and method for selectively operating an array of RF receive coils in a transmit mode is disclosed. The system includes an RF transmit coil configured to generate an RF field that excites nuclei of a subject to generate RF resonance signals, an array of RF receive coils to receive the RF resonance signals, and a detuning circuit coupled to each RF receive coil in the array of RF receive coils that is selectively switched between a disabled and an enabled state to control a resonance and impedance of the RF receive coil. Each RF receive coil is caused to receive RF resonance signals when its respective detuning circuit is in the disabled state and is caused to modify an amplitude and phase of the RF field generated by the RF transmit coil when its respective detuning circuit is in the enabled state.

Abstract: An adjustable MRI head coil apparatus and MRI system include a fixture and a plurality of plates attached to the fixture. Each of the plurality of plates includes a plurality of RF receive elements arranged in a fixed orientation. The adjustable MRI head coil apparatus and MRI system also include an actuator mechanism configured to adjust the relative position of each of the plurality of plates in order to fit a variety of different patient head sizes.

Abstract: A multiple-frequency RF trap and an MRI system including a multiple-frequency RF trap. The multiple-frequency RF trap being tuned to block RF energy at two frequencies.

Abstract: A multi-layer cradle comprises a first layer comprising first and second contact pads configured to be electrically coupled to a signal input and a signal output of the electronic component, respectively. The first layer also comprises a first ground plane configured to be electrically coupled to a ground of the electronic component and a first fence positioned about the first ground plane. The first ground plane is positioned at least between the first and second contact pads. A second layer comprising a second ground plane is also included. The cradle further comprises a first dielectric material positioned between the first and second layers, a ground plane via extending through the first dielectric material and electrically coupled to the first and second ground planes, and a plurality of fence vias extending through the first dielectric material and electrically coupled to the first fence and to second ground plane.

Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance (MR) Radio-Frequency (RF) coil and method of manufacturing are provided for a multi-modality imaging system. The multi-modality imaging system includes a Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanner portion configured to acquired MR data of a patient using one or more MR Radio-Frequency (RF) coils. The one or more MR RF coils are formed from carbon nanotube conductors. The multi-modality imaging system also includes a radiation potion configured to transmit radiation through or detect radiation from the patient.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency (RF) coil apparatus for generating a Magnetic Resonance (MR) image includes a body adapted to be worn by a subject being scanned, the body comprising an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a transition portion coupled between the anterior and posterior portions, a first RF receive-only saddle coil including a first coil positioned in the anterior portion and a second coil positioned in the anterior portion, the first RF saddle coil configured to be positioned on the anterior and posterior sides of the subject. An MRI imaging system and method are also described herein.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil array includes a plurality of RF coil sections arranged in a superior-inferior direction. Each RF coil section includes a plurality of asymmetric saddle coil pairs configured in an overlapping arrangement in a left-right direction. The plurality of asymmetric saddle coil pairs may include three asymmetric saddle coil pairs arranged in a left-right direction. The position of the asymmetric saddle coil pairs on the left and right may be shifted in the superior-inferior direction with respect to the middle asymmetric saddle coil pair. In an alternative configuration, each RF coil section includes a first loop coil, an asymmetric saddle coil pair and a second loop coil arranged in a left-right direction.

Abstract: An inductor assembly includes an electrical conductor having a first end and an opposite second end, and a plurality of turns, each turn having a first lobe and a second lobe, the electrical conductor being formed into a lemniscate shape. A Radio Frequency (RF) coil including the lemniscate shaped inductor and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system including the lemniscate shaped inductor are also described herein.

Abstract: A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a third spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, the first, second and third spiral wound inductive coils forming a triple spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil and the third coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively operating an array of RF receive coils in a transmit mode is disclosed. The system includes an RF transmit coil configured to generate an RF field that excites nuclei of a subject to generate RF resonance signals, an array of RF receive coils to receive the RF resonance signals, and a detuning circuit coupled to each RF receive coil in the array of RF receive coils that is selectively switched between a disabled and an enabled state to control a resonance and impedance of the RF receive coil. Each RF receive coil is caused to receive RF resonance signals when its respective detuning circuit is in the disabled state and is caused to modify an amplitude and phase of the RF field generated by the RF transmit coil when its respective detuning circuit is in the enabled state.

Abstract: A transformer assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface, and a second spiral wound inductive coil formed on the first surface; the first and second spiral wound inductive coils forming a double spiral arrangement on the first surface such that the first coil is inductively coupled to the second coil. An RF coil including the transformer assembly and a method of fabricating the transformer assembly are also described.

Abstract: An electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) system includes a resistive magnet driven by a power supply such as a power supply module to generate radio frequency signals in a substantially coherent polyphase perfect sequence scheme. The EPRI system further includes image acquisition and processing electronics configured to generate, acquire, quantify and map pO2 information associated with a free radical agent in vivo and having a resonance line width that is sensitive to oxygen and in response to the radio frequency signals without imparting harmful heating effects to a corresponding human or animal body.

Abstract: A balun assembly includes a body portion having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive at least one radio-frequency (RF) cable therethrough, the RF cable transmitting a signal therethrough a signal having a wavelength, and a balun disposed within the body portion, the balun being folded to form a plurality of layers, the combined length of the layers being approximately equal to a quarter wavelength of the signal transmitted through the RF cable. A method of fabricating a balun assembly and an MRI system including a balun are also provided.

Abstract: An inductor assembly includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first spiral electrical conductor formed on the first surface, a second spiral electrical conductor formed on the second surface, at least one opening extending through the first and second surfaces, and a metallic pin configured to be inserted in the opening, the pin coupling the first conductor to the second conductor. An RF coil including the inductor assembly and a method of fabricating an inductor assembly are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stray magnetic fields include a decoupling circuit includes a balun that comprises a transmission line. The transmission line includes a first spiral positioned substantially parallel to a first plane, the first spiral emanating from a inner portion of the first spiral in a first spiral direction. The transmission line also includes a second spiral positioned substantially parallel to the first plane, the second spiral emanating from a inner portion of the second spiral in the first spiral direction, wherein the inner portion of the first spiral is electrically coupled to the inner portion of the second spiral, and wherein the transmission line comprises a signal line and a ground line. The balun further comprises a first capacitor electrically coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: A multiple-frequency RF trap and an MRI system including a multiple-frequency RF trap. The multiple-frequency RF trap being tuned to block RF energy at two frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stray magnetic fields include a decoupling circuit includes a balun that comprises a transmission line. The transmission line includes a first spiral positioned substantially parallel to a first plane, the first spiral emanating from a inner portion of the first spiral in a first spiral direction. The transmission line also includes a second spiral positioned substantially parallel to the first plane, the second spiral emanating from a inner portion of the second spiral in the first spiral direction, wherein the inner portion of the first spiral is electrically coupled to the inner portion of the second spiral, and wherein the transmission line comprises a signal line and a ground line. The balun further comprises a first capacitor electrically coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil array includes a plurality of RF coil sections arranged in a superior-inferior direction. Each RF coil section includes a plurality of asymmetric saddle coil pairs configured in an overlapping arrangement in a left-right direction. The plurality of asymmetric saddle coil pairs may include three asymmetric saddle coil pairs arranged in a left-right direction. The position of the asymmetric saddle coil pairs on the left and right may be shifted in the superior-inferior direction with respect to the middle asymmetric saddle coil pair. In an alternative configuration, each RF coil section includes a first loop coil, an asymmetric saddle coil pair and a second loop coil arranged in a left-right direction.