title: Higher-order harmonic transmission-line RF coil design for MR applications.
abstract: A novel concept based on the use of higher-order harmonic resonances in a transmission-line resonator is introduced for the design of high-frequency RF coils at high and ultrahigh fields, where conventional RF coil designs present difficulties and limitations. To demonstrate this concept, we successfully designed and fabricated a 400-MHz RF coil for rat imaging using a second-harmonic resonant microstrip transmission line. This coil has a high Q-factor, reduces coil-cable interactions without the use of a matching balun, and has a broad range for tuning the coil's resonant frequency at the loaded condition. This work demonstrates that the use of higher-order harmonics in a transmission-line resonator provides an alternative, efficient approach to the design of large and high-frequency RF coils.
authors.affiliation: Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, 55455, USA.
authors.forename: Xiaoliang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xiao-Hong
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004867:Equipment Design; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011846:Radio Waves; D051381:Rats