Abstract: A method and system are provided for acquiring images using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The method comprises the step of applying a plurality of steady-state free precession (SSFP) radio-frequency (RF) excitation pulses in a selected pattern of varying amplitudes and phases such that signals corresponding to the pattern of pulses are substantially immune to magnetic field inhomogeneity of the MRI system. The pulses have substantially equal spacing between all neighboring pulses and between successive groups of pulses. The method further comprises the step of reading a plurality of signals corresponding to the pulses.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus has a gradient coil system which has at least one flexible and thermally conductive damping structure that contains a flexible matrix and thermally conductive, particulate fillers. At least parts of a cooling device of the gradient coil system are arranged within the damping structure.

Abstract: A magnetic field produced by a magnet is measured and modeled as a sum of additive components, each having a different symmetry with respect to the three-dimensional field. The sum of all the additive components completely describes the measured magnetic field, without approximation due to truncation of terms. The degree of non-homogeneity in the measured field is determined by examining the additive components individually. A shim is designed to correspond to a magnitude change of an additive component in order to improve the homogeneity of the magnetic field, such as in an MRI application. The shim is placed in a predetermined location against a metal plate that is connected to or placed near a pole of the magnet, and a plastic plate is attached to the metal plate to hold the shim in place. Grooves are machined into corresponding symmetrical plate locations to complement the shim effect.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access desirably including a generally C-shaped yoke, and devices for reducing the field asymmetry caused by the C-shaped yoke.

Abstract: A magnet arrangement comprising a superconducting magnet coil system (C) for generating a magnetic field in the direction of a z axis in a working volume (AV) disposed on the z axis about z=0, wherein the field of the magnet coil system (C) in the working volume (AV) comprises at least one inhomogeneous contribution Hn·zn with n≧2 whose contribution to the total field strength on the z axis about z=0 varies with the nth power of z, and wherein a field shaping device (P) of magnetic material is provided, which is substantially cylindrically symmetrical with respect to the z axis, is characterized in that the magnet coil system (C) is provided for use in an apparatus for high-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the field shaping device (P) has, at least partially, a radial separation from the z axis of less than 80 mm and compensates for at least one of the inhomogeneous field contributions Hn·zn of the magnet coil system (C) by at least 50%, wherein at least one additi

Abstract: A method for influencing the homogeneous static magnetic field B0 in the direction of a z axis in an NMR apparatus with disturbances caused by superconducting components of RF coils for receiving NMR signals in a sample in a measuring volume of the NMR apparatus, wherein the superconducting components of the RF coils extend past the RF active region of the sample in the z direction, wherein the disturbances concern the z component of the B0 field in the RF active region of the sample, is characterized in that the superconducting components of the RF coils are exposed to an additional magnetic field which is sufficiently strong that, in the course of application, all superconducting structures disposed in the vicinity of the RF active region of the sample in the superconducting components of the RF coils are maximally magnetized and thereby their magnetization transverse to B0 along the z axis assumes a value which is substantially constant and different from zero.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus has a gradient coil that is connected to an electrical conductor arrangement for electrical supply, the conductor arrangement having an inner conductor and an outer conductor that coaxially surrounds the inner conductor and a cooling channel for transmission of a coolant that is arranged between the inner and outer conductors.

Abstract: A magnet device is provided with two static magnetic field generating sources 14a and 14b disposed so as to oppose each other while placing a person to be inspected therebetween, a vessel 15 containing the static magnetic field generating source 14a and a vessel 16 containing the static magnetic field generating source 14b, and the vessels 15 and 16 are disposed at positions asymmetric with respect to the person to be inspected. Thereby, a magnet device and an MRI device using the same which can extend a space above the person to be inspected on a bed while avoiding introduction of a large scale device which causes to increase the manufacturing cost thereof.

Abstract: A line filter unit and a gradient magnetic field power supply placed in a shield room are contained in one cabinet to integrate them into one unit, and the integrated cabinet unit is attached on a wall of the shield room, and the cabinet unit is electrically integrated with a radio frequency shield conductor in the radio frequency shield room. Further, a signal amplifier and an electric power amplifier may be contained in the integrated cabinet unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively shimming a magnet. A magnetic field produced by the magnet is measured and modeled in the form of a Legendre polynomial expansion having a predetermined number of harmonic terms. The degree of non-homogeneity in the measured field is determined by examining the harmonic terms. A shim is then designed to correspond to a magnitude change of a harmonic term of the polynomial expansion in order to improve the homogeneity of the magnetic field. A metal plate is connected to or placed near a pole of the magnet, the shim is placed against the metal plate, and a plastic plate is attached to the metal plate such that the shim is held in place in a predetermined location against the metal plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for enlarging an opening, which accommodates a subject, in a superconducting magnet apparatus for use in MRI system, so as to prevent the subject from feeling claustrophobic, and for realizing low magnetic field leakage therefrom, and for reducing the weight thereof, and for realizing a large high magnetic field strength uniform magnetic field region. Static magnetic field generating sources of the superconducting magnet apparatus are constituted by two sets of superconducting coils, the respective sets of which are placed in such a manner as to face each other across a uniform magnetic field generating region. Each of the sets of superconducting coils consists of a main coil for feeding electric current in a specific direction, a bucking coil for feeding electric current in a direction opposite to the direction of the electric current flow passing through the main coil, and a coil for correcting magnetic homogeneity.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus generates an MR signal from an object to be examined by applying a gradient field pulse generated by a gradient field coil and a high-frequency magnetic field pulse generated by a high-frequency coil onto the object in a static field generated by a static field magnet, and reconstructs an image on the basis of the MR signal. The gradient field coil is housed in a sealed vessel. A cable extending from an external power supply and connected to the gradient field coil has predetermined flexibility.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for generating a magnetic field of high field strength, spatial uniformity and minimal drift of magnetic field intensity over a temperature range of about 0° C. to 175° C. This apparatus may be used in a standard modular logging tool for direct downhole NMR measurements of various parameters of fluid samples of geologic formations near the walls of a borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus is composed of two tubular permanent magnets made of different magnetic materials with different magnetic temperature coefficients to provide temperature compensation. The apparatus preferably also utilizes a pressure barrel that surrounds the magnets and provides a return path for magnetic flux lines, thereby increasing flux density within the measurement volume.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer with a magnet arrangement (1) for generating a homogeneous static magnetic field B0 in the direction of a z axis and a radio frequency (RF) resonator (2) for receiving NMR signals from a measuring volume which has one or more superconducting components, is characterized in that a stabilization device is provided which keeps the magnetic field components BT, transverse to the homogeneous magnetic field B0, which acts on the superconducting components of the RF resonator (2), constant. The stabilization device can act actively or passively. It is thereby possible to completely suppress generation of disturbing transverse magnetization for RF resonator coils with superconducting components. Moreover, a demagnetised coil always remains demagnetised during the entire subsequent operation.

Abstract: An MRI magnet assembly includes a pair of cryostat enclosures each housing a superconducting primary shield coil. The primary shield coil is dimensioned with an outer diameter greater than that of the main coil and is axially spaced away from the magnet pole significantly farther than is the main coil. This design provides for increased accessibility and visibility within the gap defined between the cryostat enclosures, and allows for reduced amounts of superconducting material in the coils. A set of field shaping coils is mounted radially inwardly and closely axially adjacent to the magnet pole and axially between the main coil and the shield coil.

Abstract: An NMR magnet coil system, comprising superconducting conductor structures, with an inductance L0 for generating a homogeneous magnetic field B0 through which an operating current I0 flows in the persistent mode, and wherein further superconducting switches (S1, S2, . . . Sn−1) are each provided between two points (P1, Q1), (P2, Q2), . . . , (Pn−1, Qn−1) of the winding of the magnet coil system which, during operation, separately superconductingly short-circuit one or more disjoint partial regions (1, 2, . . . , n−1) with the inductances L1, L2, . . . , Ln−1 to generate magnetic field contributions B1, B2, . . . , Bn−1 to the homogeneous magnetic field B0, is characterized in that the following is valid: 1 α = &LeftBracketingBar; L 0 ⁢ ∑ j = 1 n ⁢ ( L - 1 ) jn ⁢ B j B 0 &RightBracketingBar; ≤ 0.

Abstract: A subject is disposed in an imaging region (10) of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. An operator submits a series of user preferences to the apparatus. A gradient optimizer (82) generates a gradient waveform that is optimal for the imaging procedure based on the user submitted specifications and the apparatus hardware specifications. The optimizer (82) accesses a memory that stores ideal gradient waveform models. The model that best fits the user specifications is selected and digitized (84). The digitized waveform is then convolved (86) with a band-limited kernel (88) that represents a frequency spectrum (89) of a gradient amplifier (28), producing a gradient waveform (90) that is smooth and does not exceed the capabilities of the amplifier. This optimized waveform is used in an imaging process including a collected data reconstruction portion of the process.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting an island in a system including a node that is operatively coupled to a primary power source (e.g., grid) and one or more distributed power generation sources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a current pulse is included in the output of a distributed power source. The grid voltage is monitored at the node to determine if a pulse-related disturbance occurs. If the grid is present, no pulse-related disturbance will manifest. If grid is down, then a pulse-related disturbance will manifest. Detection of the pulse-related disturbance is used to signal island detection.

Abstract: A method for creating improved homogeneity in magnetic flux density in a radio frequency resonator for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of the human head. A tapered birdcage resonator is also provided. The tapered birdcage resonator includes two electrically conductive rings and a plurality of rods or conductor legs. The first electrically conductive ring forms an inferior end of the coil. The plurality of legs extends from the first electrically conductive ring. Each of the plurality of legs has a linear portion and a tapered portion. The second electrically conductive ring forms a superior end of the coil and is connected to the tapered portion of the plurality of legs.

Abstract: In a method for shimming a magnet system of a MR tomography apparatus having at least one shim channel charged with a shim current and an MR tomography apparatus operating according to the method, each shim current is modified during the time of use of a k-space path.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus and a method for the operation thereof the acquisition of pure fat and water images is enabled, taking the basic field inhomogeneities into consideration, by utilizing the data that are obtained about the relevant measurement volume by means of a conventional 3D field measurement for the correction of the noise phase of the imaging data. The imaging data are preferably acquired on the basis of the 2-point Dixon method.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus having a magnet arrangement which generates: a basic magnetic field in a horizontal direction, an imaging volume with a central region that is freely accessible in at least one horizontal direction substantially orthogonal to the basic magnetic field, upper and lower elements that are spaced apart in a vertical direction and between which the imaging volume is disposed, and a connector element that connects the upper and the lower elements, at least one gradient coil is provided which extends at least in regions of the upper element, the lower element and the connector element.

Abstract: A gradient coil assembly (22) generates magnetic field gradients across the main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and includes a base gradient coil set which generates magnetic field gradients which are substantially linear over a first useful imaging volume, and a correction gradient coil set which generates magnetic field gradients having substantially no first order moment. The correction gradient coil set produces third and higher order moments which combine with higher order terms of the base gradient coil set to produce magnetic field gradients which are substantially linear over a second useful imaging volume different from the first useful imaging volume. In a preferred embodiment, the second volume is continuously variable by adjusting the amounts of current applied to the base and correction coils.

Abstract: A combination gradient coil/RF shield is provided for magnetic resonance imaging systems. The coil may be adapted from any of the existing gradient coil structures, but is preferably an X-axis or Y-axis coil, with an inner Z-axis coil being inherently decoupled from the RF magnetic field due to its design. Capacitive circuits are provided between conductive paths of the selected gradient coil to adapt the gradient coil to the RF frequencies used during operation, such as 64 MHz. The technique permits the gradient coil assembly to be affectively moved closer to the patient while providing an enhanced distance between the RF coil and the RF shield defined by the adapted gradient coil.

Abstract: A magnet for use in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The magnet includes magnetic poles and coils. The shape and positioning of the magnetic poles and coils enables provision of a uniform static magnetic field. The magnetic pole is provided with ring-shaped grooves and/or projections which compensate for axi-symmetric components of an inhomogeneous magnetic field and with partial grooves or partial projections not shaped in a ring which compensate for non-axi-symmetric components of the inhomogeneous magnetic field. Since the arrangement of the projections and grooves for compensating for the axi-symmetric and non-axi-symmetric components can also be optimized in design, a space occupied by the magnetic poles can be decreased.

Abstract: The magnetic field in the working volume of an apparatus for measuring the magnetic resonance, in particular nuclear magnetic resonance, is homogenized in that shim plates are disposed at predetermined positions about the working volume and, in sum, do not generate a field in the center of the working volume. The summed effect of the shims is preferably inductively decoupled from the coil generating the magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for correcting linear field inhomogeneities in a magnetic resonance apparatus. After an excitation pulse and application of a phase gradient in a predetermined direction, a data point is taken after a fixed, predetermined time td. This is repeated for systematically changed strengths of the phase gradient and constant td. The phase gradient with maximum measuring signal corresponds to a field correction gradient in the corresponding direction.

Abstract: A cylindrical magnet assembly for use in magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has a radially compact construction which eliminates prior manufacturing steps. Recesses are formed in insulation layers for receiving complimentary shaped bus bars. Because the bus bars are dimensioned to fit flush within the recesses, they do not add to the radial growth of the magnet assembly.

Abstract: In order to perform imaging with water and fat separated in an efficient manner, a tomographic image is obtained having a phase difference of &pgr;/2 between water and fat using magnetic resonance (700), the phase of the tomographic image is multiplied by n (706), the phase after being corrected for wraparound is multiplied by 1/n (714, 716), and a phase image representing magnetic field inhomogeneity is generated. The tomographic image is corrected for phase using the phase image (718), and is separated into a water image and a fat image (726).

Abstract: In a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography system having a shim coil arrangement and a gradient coil arrangement, in which, in order to generate an image dataset of a region of an examination subject to be imaged, at least the region that is to be imaged is borne in an imaging volume of the system, an initial shim adjustment procedure is carried out, a change (if it occurs) in the position of the imaged region in relation to the imaging volume is detected, and a current in the shim coil arrangement is modified dependent on the detected position change.

Abstract: A magnet coil arrangement comprising an actively shielded superconducting primary circuit (21) comprising first and second magnet windings (1,2,3 and 4,5), and being wound e.g. in winding chambers (7,8,9 and 10,11) in a supporting body (6a,6b) for generating a strong magnetic field in a working volume with a small magnetic stray field and a short circuited secondary circuit (22) which is inductively coupled with the primary circuit (21) and contains third and fourth magnet windings (13,14,15 and 16,17) is characterized in that the magnet windings (13,14,15 and 16,17) of the secondary circuit (22) form an actively shielded magnet coil. This permits a simple and robust coil protection for actively shielded superconducting magnets during a quench wherein the superconducting magnet windings are reliably relieved and the magnetic stray field of the entire arrangement remains small.

Abstract: In a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, a basic magnetic field is produced and at least one magnetic gradient field is switched that comprises a main field component that is co-linear to the basic magnetic field, having a predetermined main gradient, this gradient field also having at least one accompanying field component that is perpendicular to the main field component, and also having a linearity volume. An additional magnetic field that is as homogenous is possible is thereby switched (activated) that extends beyond the linearity volume, and this additional magnetic field is switched at least for a duration of time in which the gradient field is also switched. This additional magnetic field is oriented such that it reduces at least one of the field components in at least one region of anticipated stimulation of the examination subject.

Abstract: A pole piece for use in an open magnet includes a magnetizable body of generally cylindrical shape and made of a ferromagnetic material with a plurality of concentrically-arranged, annular-shaped, radially spaced-apart grooves formed in the inner surface of the pole piece. A plurality of annular-shaped, electrically conductive coils are disposed within the grooves. The pole piece with recessed shielding coils is situated within a cryogenic vessel to maintain the pole pieces at a uniform cryogenic temperature. The result is an open magnet structure which provides a highly uniform, high field, open field of view for MRI with a well-contained stray field.

Abstract: A magnet assembly system for use in an open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system comprises a first assembly and a second assembly opposing each other in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship. The first and second assemblies generate a static magnetic field for use in imaging. Further provided is a plurality of support posts attached between the first and second assemblies for maintaining an open imaging volume between the first and second assemblies and for further providing structural support. Each of the support posts comprises a first support element and a second support element attached to first support element on the surface away from the imaging volume. A method for reducing vibration in an open MRI system comprises attaching a second support element to each of the support posts on a surface away from the imaging volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively shimming a magnet. A magnetic field produced by the magnet is measured and modeled in the form of a Legendre polynomial expansion having a predetermined number of harmonic terms. The degree of non-homogeneity in the measured field is determined by examining the harmonic terms. A shim is then designed to correspond to a magnitude change of a harmonic term of the polynomial expansion in order to improve the homogeneity of the magnetic field. A metal plate is connected to or placed near a pole of the magnet, the shim is placed against the metal plate, and a plastic plate is attached to the metal plate such that the shim is held in place in a predetermined location against the metal plate.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet arrangement (M, S, P1, . . . , Pn) for generating a magnetic field in the direction of a z axis in a working volume, disposed about z=0, comprising a magnet coil system (M) with at least one current-carrying superconducting magnet coil, a shim device (S) with at least one superconducting shim coil and additional superconductingly closed current paths (P1, . . . , Pn), wherein the magnetic fields generated in the z direction and in the working volume by the additional current paths due to induced currents during operation, do not exceed a magnitude of 0.1 Tesla, and wherein the shim device generates a field which varies along the z axis with a kth power of z for an even power of k>0, is characterized in that the shim device is designed such that the effective field efficiency gSeff of the shim device is substantially zero taking into consideration the diamagnetism of the superconductor in the magnet coil system.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field induction coils and a radio frequency (RF) detection coil are supported by a frame which is inserted into the bore of an MRI system to detect magnetic fields produced by gradient pulses and RF pulses produced during a scan. The detected magnetic fields are processed to produce gradient waveforms and RF pulse waveforms that are displayed to the user.

Abstract: First, prior to the measurement of the magnetic resonance spectroscopic image, the gradient polarity of a gradient magnetic field to be applied to an object is inverted periodically. This makes it possible to measure a multi-gradient echo type magnetic resonance signal that has been subjected to the influence of an eddy current. Then, from the magnetic resonance spectrum obtained therefrom, a peak of the frequency component is extracted that corresponds to a hydrogen nucleus in the water molecule. Finally, using a static magnetic field homogeneity degree-adjusting unit, a shimming current to be flowed through a shimming coil and/or an offset current to be flowed through a gradient magnetic field generating coil are adjusted so that the width of the peak becomes narrow, thereby enhancing the degree of the static magnetic field homogeneity.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet system for generating a magnetic field in the direction of a z axis in a working volume disposed about z=0 with at least one current-carrying magnet coil (M) and with at least one additional, superconductingly closed current path (P1, . . . , Pn), which can react inductively to the changes of the magnetic flux through the area enclosed by it, wherein the magnetic fields in the z direction in the working volume which are produced by these additional current paths during operation and due to induced currents, do not exceed a magnitude of 0.1 Tesla, is characterized in that, when an additional disturbance coil (D) produces a substantially homogeneous disturbance field in the magnet volume, the diamagnetic expulsion of the disturbance field from the main magnet coil is taken into consideration when designing the magnet coil(s) and the current paths.

Abstract: An NMR (=nuclear magnetic resonance) probe head comprising an RF (=radio frequency) receiver coil system, which can be cooled down to cryogenic temperatures, and a room temperature pipe (5), extending in a z direction, for receiving a sample tube (6) containing sample substance to be examined by NMR measurements is characterized by a centering device (10) for centering the sample tube (6) in its measuring position about the axis of the room temperature pipe (5) to thereby provide simple and substantial reduction in the temperature gradient in the z direction during operation without thereby impairing the NMR measurement.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system has a primary set of whole-body gradient coils and a supplemental set of gradient coils. The supplemental gradient coils are employed to produce imaging gradients when fast imaging pulse sequences are performed, and the primary set of gradient coils are employed when interleaved saturation or navigator signals pulse sequences are performed during a scan.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method, an instrument and a system for performing verification measurements and corrections of magnetic fields in magnets for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging machines. According to the invention, test elements are used whereof Nuclear Magnetic Resonance images are detected. Then, these actually detected images are compared with the theoretical images which would be obtained in ideal conditions. The number, magnitude and position of correcting magnetic charges are determined from the differences between the actual image and the theoretical image. The invention is also directed to a specific test element and to a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging machine.

Abstract: A shim device for a magnetic resonance apparatus has a cavity for the acceptance of shim elements, the cavity being arranged in an antenna conductor.

Abstract: A method for generating a ferromagnetic shim calibration file includes the steps of performing a computation of an analytical Finite Element solution of an internal magnetic field for each location where a shim is assumed to be present in an imaging volume of a magnet, performing a computation of an equivalent magnetic dipole moment of a shim with a saturated magnetization using the analytical Finite Element solution of the internal magnetic field, making a correction of the computation of the equivalent magnetic dipole moment of the shim to compensate for an aspect ratio for the shape of the shim, making another correction of the corrected computation of the equivalent magnetic dipole moment of the shim to compensate for a magnetic mirror effect in a pole-face of the magnet, and storing all computations and corrections for each shim in a shim calibration file.

Abstract: A shielded birdcage-type radiofrequency (RF) resonance coil having a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to a Cassinian oval. The placement of longitudinal conducting elements in the former of the coil is determined numerically by conformal mapping of the equally distributed positions of the conductors in a circular coil onto a Cassinian oval.

Abstract: Gradient amplifier for an MR tomography apparatus has a controller for current control that is connected to a modulator stage upstream before an output stage. The output stage supplies a voltage to a gradient coil connected thereto, thereby producing a coil current in the gradient coil. The controller has a comparator for comparing a reference value of the coil current to the actual value of the coil current, and a P control branch connected downstream from the comparator and an I control branch situated at the output of the P control branch. The outputs of the control branches are fed to an adder via scaling resistors. An output of a differential control stage is fed to the adder. The differential control stage emits an output voltage that relieves the controller, the output voltage being proportional to the slope of a pulse edge of the gradient coil current.

Abstract: A gradient coil system of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus is fashioned as a hollow cylinder whose hollow interior cross-section is an ellipse with a minor ellipse axis and a major ellipse axis, and contains first and second transverse gradient coils. A first gradient field having a first gradient can be generated with the gradient coil in an imaging volume, and a second gradient field having a second gradient can be generated in said imaging volume with the second gradient coil. The gradient coils are arranged so that the first and the second gradients exhibit an oblique position relative to the major and the minor ellipse axes.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet. A diagnostic facility for high volume MRI use is also disclosed.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Abstract: A crossed-ladder RF coil assembly (48) is employed for quadrature excitation and/or reception in an open or vertical field magnetic resonance apparatus. The RF coil assembly (48, 70, 90) includes a pair of coil assemblies (50, 52; 70, 72; 100, 102) which are disposed in a parallel relationship. Coil arrays (50, 52; 100, 102) include at least two ladder RF coils (501, 502, 503; 521, 522, 523; 1001 . . . , 1008; 1021, . . . , 1028) which are disposed in an overlapping relationship and are rotated by 90° relative to one another. Each ladder RF coil of one coil array is rotated by 90° relative to adjoining ladder coils and each corresponding ladder RF coil of the other coil array. The crossed-ladder RF coil assembly provides better B1 field uniformity and elongated anatomical coverage for spine and neck imaging. In addition, the RF coil assembly reduces noise from the body at higher fields in vertical field magnetic resonance systems.