Abstract: A radio frequency coil assembly for use in a magnetic resonance system comprises a set of conductors for detecting magnetic resonance signals in three orthogonal planes and capacitors for resonating the set of conductors at a predetermined frequency. A conductor of the set of conductors is placed on each edge of a cube-shaped volume and the capacitors are placed on each conductor of the set of conductors such that each conductor has substantially equal effective capacitance. A four element band pass birdcage coil comprises two square end ring segments, each end ring segment comprising four sides of equal length, and four rungs of length equal to a side of the end ring segment, and wherein four rungs join in respective corners of the end ring segments.

Abstract: A system wirelessly supplies electrical power to an RF coil and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for an MRI system. The system supplies power to at least operate the RF coil and ADC without the use of a battery and without use of a wired connection external to the bore of the magnet.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device includes a non-magnetic, thermally conductive spreader substrate having a broken metal layer coupled to a thermally conductive, electrically non-conductive layer, wherein the broken metal layer is configured to exchange heat with at least one serpentine cooling tube.

Abstract: A system wirelessly supplies electrical power to an RF coil and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for an MRI system. The system supplies power to at least operate the RF coil and ADC without the use of a battery and without use of a wired connection external to the bore of the magnet.

Abstract: A cryogenically cooled radiofrequency (RF) coil structure for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and method for cryogenically cooling RF coils are provided. The cryogenically cooled RF coil structure comprises a sealed structure constructed of non-conducting material and adapted for containing a cooling substance and at least one RF coil disposed integrally in contact with the sealed structure such that sealed structure and integrally disposed RF coil are disposed about an object to be imaged.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system and method for generating information about an object is provided. The MR system comprises at least one MR detector configured to sense a plurality of electromagnetic signals and a modulator coupled to the MR detector and configured to modulate optical signals with the electromagnetic signals to generate corresponding modulated optical signals. The MR system further comprises a resonant matching circuit configured for matching an impedance of the MR detector to an impedance of the modulator to achieve at least one of a voltage gain or a noise performance. An optical conduit coupled to the modulator is configured to transmit the modulated optical signals from within a shielded environment to outside the shielded environment. A signal detector coupled to the optical conduit is configured to convert the modulated optical signals to electrical signals.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system and method for generating information about an object is provided. The MR system comprises at least one MR detector configured to sense a plurality of signals within a shielded environment and a digitizing circuit configured for digitizing the analog signals to generate digital signals. The MR detector, digitizing circuit is located within a shielded environment. The system further comprises a first transmission element configured for transmitting the plurality of digital signals to a plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a phased array coil assembly and a signal processing circuit. The phased array coil assembly includes a plurality of coils coextensively covering a predetermined area. Each of the plurality of coils comprises a different number of loops over the predetermined area and divides the predetermined area into at least three contiguous regions arranged linearly along the predetermined area. The signal processing circuit is coupled to the phased array coil assembly for receiving a plurality of magnetic resonance signals detected by the plurality of coils. The signal processing circuit is configured to localize the plurality of magnetic resonance signals originating in at least one of the contiguous regions.

Abstract: A control system comprising a driver circuit for magnetic systems is provided. The driver circuit is coupled to a magnetic system and is configured for isolating control signals from electromagnetic interference. The control signals are configured for controlling a plurality of switching elements in the magnetic system. The driver circuit and the magnetic system are located in shielded environment.

Abstract: A matrix coil for generating a variable magnetic field is provided, including a plurality of loops arranged in a series so as to have a substantially common axis and segmented into at least one arc-shaped segment, a variable current source for each of the arc-shaped segments, and a controller. The controller is configured to selectively vary an amount of current provided to each of the arc-shaped segments by the variable current sources so as to achieve a variable base field, one or more variable gradient fields, and one or more variable second order shim fields.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a cooling assembly for an electrical component. The assembly includes a non-magnetic, thermally conducting spreader substrate, and at least one serpentine cooling tube disposed on and in thermal contact with the thermally conducting spreader substrate so that said substrate is cooled when the one or more serpentine cooling tubes are operating.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting iron using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided. The method comprises generating a substantially high magnetic field strength within the MRI system, acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images by a pulse sequence adapted to create a magnetic field map of the brain for use in enhancing brain iron deposits, and, characterizing regions of interest using the magnetic field map to detect statistically relevant quantities of brain iron deposits to indicate a given disease.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a phased array coil assembly and a signal processing circuit. The phased array coil assembly includes a plurality of coils coextensively covering a predetermined area. Each of the plurality of coils comprises a different number of loops over the predetermined area and divides the predetermined area into at least three contiguous regions arranged linearly along the predetermined area. The signal processing circuit is coupled to the phased array coil assembly for receiving a plurality of magnetic resonance signals detected by the plurality of coils. The signal processing circuit is configured to localize the plurality of magnetic resonance signals originating in at least one of the contiguous regions.

Abstract: A radio frequency coil assembly for use in a magnetic resonance system comprises a set of conductors for detecting magnetic resonance signals in three orthogonal planes and capacitors for resonating the set of conductors at a predetermined frequency. A conductor of the set of conductors is placed on each edge of a cube-shaped volume and the capacitors are placed on each conductor of the set of conductors such that each conductor has substantially equal effective capacitance.