A Multi-element Transmit System for MRI

The signal-to-noise ratio of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems improves with higher static magnetic fields. Parallel transmission of RF signals bears the potential of compensating
However, undesired wave propagation effects and dielectric resonances occur in human tissue at field strengths of B0≥3T. Parallel transmission of RF signals bears the potential of compensating for these unwanted effects. The implementation of parallel transmission adds new requirements to the MRI hardware, especially the number of independently operating transmit channels. This study describes the development and testing of eight-element RF coils for 3T and their integration into a multi-channel MR scanner.