Vacuum Formed Coils for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging is an important diagnostic tool that uses resonant RF receivers to create an image. Prior work has shown that bringing these receivers closer to the subject dramatically improves the signal to noise ratio. Here, we describe a method of patterning coil arrays on complex three dimensional surfaces using vacuum forming, sandblasting, and electroless copper plating. To account for the deformation of vacuum forming, we developed a graphical simulation to predistort trace designs. Our process produces coils with quality factors similar to coils made with copper tape.