Abstract #2619

DelaBarre L, Vaughan J, Akgun C, Ugurbil K, Snyder C, van de Moortele P

Efficient high-frequency RF coils are needed to realize the gains of ultra-high field MR imaging. Transverse electromagnetic (TEM) resonators which use microstrip elements have provided a solution. To further advance this technology the design parameters of these coils have been investigated with the aim of generating more efficient coils. Specifically substrate thickness, signal line width, and sidewall depth were varied on microstrip designs to achieve desired B1 fields at 7T. Simulations of eight channel TEM coils incorporating these optimized microstrip elements were then used to analyze B1 field for strength and decoupling potentials of different coil configurations.