Effects of end ring configuration on homogeneity and signal to noise ratio in a birdcage coil loaded with the human head

Four different end ring configurations of a birdcage coil were numerically modeled to examine their effects on homogeneity and signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the coil at 64 MHz. The end ring configuration with the best homogeneity in the empty coil produces the least homogeneous B1 field when the coil is loaded with a human head. The coil configuration that results in the best homogeneity in the loaded birdcage also has the highest SNR.