Abstract: A method includes receiving a selection of a scan protocol for the scan of a subject and obtaining localizer images including an anatomic landmark of interest of the subject acquired with the MRI system. The method includes automatically detecting the anatomic landmark of interest in localizer images and determining a geometry plan of the scan including extents of the anatomic landmark of interest. The method includes automatically determining a coverage of the scan to include the anatomic landmark of interest and to match the extents of the anatomic landmark of interest. The method includes obtaining limits on adjustments scan time and one or more image quality parameters for the scan protocol. The method includes generating an updated scan protocol by automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the scan protocol based on the scan protocol, the limits on adjustments, and the coverage of the scan.

Abstract: A radio frequency head coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The radio frequency head coil includes a body operative to be disposed on a head of a patient, and an extended lip disposed on the body and operative to receive a magnetic resonance signal. At least some of the magnetic resonance signal is emitted by a region of the patient disposed between a brain stem of the patient up to and including a vertebra of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automated graphical prescriptions with deep learning systems. In one embodiment, a method for a medical imaging system comprises acquiring, by the medical imaging system, localizer images of a subject, generating, by a trained neural network system, a graphical prescription using the localizer images, and performing, by the medical imaging system, a scan of the subject according to the graphical prescription. In this way, a desired region of interest of the subject may be accurately scanned with minimal input from an operator of the medical imaging system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automated graphical prescriptions with deep learning systems. In one embodiment, a method for a medical imaging system comprises acquiring, by the medical imaging system, localizer images of a subject, generating, by a trained neural network system, a graphical prescription using the localizer images, and performing, by the medical imaging system, a scan of the subject according to the graphical prescription. In this way, a desired region of interest of the subject may be accurately scanned with minimal input from an operator of the medical imaging system.

Abstract: A radio frequency head coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The radio frequency head coil includes a body operative to be disposed on a head of a patient, and an extended lip disposed on the body and operative to receive a magnetic resonance signal. At least some of the magnetic resonance signal is emitted by a region of the patient disposed between a brain stem of the patient up to and including a vertebra of the patient.

Abstract: In some examples, a method including depositing a functional layer over a substrate; depositing a granular layer over the functional layer, the granular layer including a first material defining a plurality of grains separated by a second material defining grain boundaries of the plurality of grains; removing the second material from the granular layer such that the plurality of grains of the granular layer define a hard mask layer on the functional layer; and removing, via reactive ion etching with a carrier gas, portions of the functional layer not masked by the hard mask layer, wherein the carrier gas comprises a gas with an atomic number less than an atomic number of argon.

Abstract: In some examples, a method including depositing a functional layer over a substrate; depositing a granular layer over the functional layer, the granular layer including a first material defining a plurality of grains separated by a second material defining grain boundaries of the plurality of grains; removing the second material from the granular layer such that the plurality of grains of the granular layer define a hard mask layer on the functional layer; and removing, via reactive ion etching with a carrier gas, portions of the functional layer not masked by the hard mask layer, wherein the carrier gas comprises a gas with an atomic number less than an atomic number of argon.