Approaching ultimate intrinsic SNR in a uniform spherical sample with finite arrays of loop coils

Manushka V. Vaidya, Daniel K. Sodickson, Riccardo Lattanzi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigated to what degree and at what rate the ultimate intrinsic (UI) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may be approached using finite radiofrequency detector arrays. We used full-wave electromagnetic field simulations based on dyadic Green's functions to compare the SNR of arrays of loops surrounding a uniform sphere with the ultimate intrinsic SNR (UISNR), for increasing numbers of elements over a range of magnetic field strengths, voxel positions, sphere sizes, and acceleration factors. We evaluated the effect of coil conductor losses and the performance of a variety of distinct geometrical arrangements such as "helmet" and "open-pole" configurations in multiple imaging planes. Our results indicate that UISNR at the center is rapidly approached with encircling arrays and performance is substantially lower near the surface, where a quadrature detection configuration tailored to voxel position is optimal. Coil noise is negligible at high field, where sample noise dominates. Central SNR for practical array configurations such as the helmet is similar to that of close-packed arrangements. The observed trends can provide physical insights to improve coil design.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-65
Number of pages13
JournalConcepts in Magnetic Resonance Part B: Magnetic Resonance Engineering
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2014

Keywords

  • Dyadic green's function
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Parallel imaging
  • Radiofrequency coil performance
  • Signal-to-noise ratio
  • Ultimate intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Spectroscopy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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