Flexible Self-Resonant Detector Coil for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Carbon-13

Magnetic Resonance is a powerful imaging modality which relies on arrays of detector coils to collect weak RF signals. Parasitic coupling between array elements degrades imaging system performance and greatly complicates array design process. In this work we show how to significantly reduce interaction between array elements by employing a modified high-impedance coil structure and combining it with a noise-matched low-input-impedance LNA.The approach is verified experimentally by designing a two element array for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of carbon-13. The fabricated detector demonstrates over 35 dB decoupling between array elements. Imaging experiments in a 3 tesla MRI scanner showed very low variation of noise correlation between channels in the array. The coils utilize flexible conductors and suitable for construction of flexible arrays conformal to different patient sizes.The presented approach is useful in the design of antenna arrays and RF detector arrays where channel-to-channel interaction creates a significant problem.