Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of improved homogeneity whereby at least a portion of an RF coil is filled with homogeneity enhancing material. Disposing the homogeneity enhancing material, such as perfluorocarbon, within the RF coil, implementation of thick saturation pads may be avoided altogether or thinner pads may be used to fill any voids between the patient and the coil. The present invention is particularly useful in a CTL coil assembly for acquiring diagnostic data of the neck region of a patient. However, the advantages achieved by the present invention may be incorporated into other surface coils for other anatomical regions where control of the susceptibility is desired. Additionally, the homogeneity enhancing material also acts as a heat sink for any hot spots on the coil.

Abstract: A system and method for mimicking a human brain for MR imaging at various magnetic field strengths is disclosed. A phantom is constructed of a structure having a number of sections. A first section contains a mixture of nickel chloride, agarose gel powder, potassium sorbate, deuterium oxide, and water such that the T1, T2, and proton density values of the first section mimic white matter of the human brain. A second section contains different amounts of the same components such that the T1, T2, and proton density values of the second section mimic gray matter of the human brain. As such, when the phantom is scanned in an MR imaging machine, an optimized flip angle for T1-weighted imaging to improve contrast between white matter and gray matter of the human brain that takes into account proton density differences therebetween can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for using a silicon dioxide (SiO2) material that is equally effective in improving magnetic field homogeneity during MR imaging. The present invention further provides for using silicon dioxide in its granular state. The granular silicon dioxide can then be poured inside a flexible container and the flexible container can be formed to fit any contour of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of improved homogeneity whereby at least a portion of an RF coil is filled with homogeneity enhancing material. Disposing the homogeneity enhancing material, such as perfluorocarbon, within the RF coil, implementation of thick saturation pads may be avoided altogether or thinner pads may be used to fill any voids between the patient and the coil. The present invention is particularly useful in a CTL coil assembly for acquiring diagnostic data of the neck region of a patient. However, the advantages achieved by the present invention may be incorporated into other surface coils for other anatomical regions where control of the susceptibility is desired. Additionally, the homogeneity enhancing material also acts as a heat sink for any hot spots on the coil.