Unconventional designs of RF probes for high-field MRI to enhance magnetic field uniformity

We present approaches to enhancing magnetic field uniformity produced by RF probes in high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners by introducing compensating non-uniformities in the probe designs. Unconventional designs of RF probes for operating at 600 MHz in 14 T MRI scanners are demonstrated, including a solenoid coil with non-uniform wrapping and dielectric separators, a system of microstrip patch antennas with substrates engineered by using high permittivity inserts, and a system of specifically shaped patch antennas. The advantages of the proposed probe designs are discussed.