Suppressing Local Hot Spots in RF Coils & Shields Due to Gradient Eddy Currents

Zhen Yao¹, Aaron Shojinaga¹, Yong Wu¹, Timothy Eagan², Shmaryu Shvartsman², Thomas Chmielewski², Robert Brown¹

A design goal for MRI is to limit the eddy currents generated on the RF coils and shields due to the gradient coils and in particular to suppress the associated eddy current heating. It is important, for example, to avoid hot spots in the proximity of the patient as well as in the vicinity of soldering joints. We simulate the generation of eddy current and corresponding heat distributions resulting from gradient magnetic flux, and make successful comparisons to experimental measurements. Specific patterns of cuts for reducing troublesome heating locations are studied.