Experimental Setup to Compare Measurements and Numerical Simulations in Magnetic Resonance Imaging RF Dosimetry

Abstract

Many of the parameters associated with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) antennas are estimated by means of numerical simulations. Taking into account the unavoidable numerical approximations and imperfections of the models, an experimental validation of the theoretical results becomes essential. This work describes three measuring set-ups which allow the comparison between measurements of electromagnetic fields and the same quantities computed numerically. The experimental activity highlighted some critical aspects of the numerical results that could bring to a wrong estimation of the parameters associated with the MRI antennas. Results suggest the importance and feasibility of a dosimetry experimental set-up suitable for MRI antennas characterization.

Experimental set-up to compare measurements and numerical simulations in Magnetic Resonance Imaging RF dosimetry

“…The present paper is an extension of the work presented for the CPEM 2016 Digest (Proceedings) [4] and proposes the comparison between numerical results and experimental acquisitions for three different loop coils.…”

“…The set-up section is divided in three parts. In the first subsection, measurements have been carried out generating the electromagnetic field with a well-known coil already characterized with a previous set-up [4,5]. Although the coil, i.e.…”

Design of Distributed Spiral Resonators for the Decoupling of MRI Double-Tuned RF Coils

“…This method can achieve good decoupling performances, but the Q-factor of the lower frequency RF coil worsens due to additional losses inside the lumped elements of the trap circuit [13], [14]. In addition, peaks of electric field next to the lumped elements (especially capacitors) can be produced, requiring the insertion of additional shielding mechanisms to avoid undesired hot spots in the sample tissues [15], [16]. Another interesting decoupling solution consists in an appropriate geometrical disposition of the DT coils [17] to minimize coupling, which is a very effective method when no particular constraints on the coils positioning are present.…”