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Abstract #4997

Understanding RF Coil Coupling in MRI Arrays: Insights from S11 and Z11 Analysis

Mirsad Mahmutovic1, Manisha Shrestha1, Sam-Luca JD Hansen1, Anpreet Ghotra1, Matthäus Poniatowski1, and Boris Keil1,2
1Institute of Medical Physics and Radiation Protection, TH Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, Giessen, Germany, 2LOEWE Research Cluster for Advanced Medical Physics in Imaging and Therapy (ADMIT), TH Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, Giessen, Germany

Synopsis

Keywords: RF Arrays & Systems, RF Arrays & Systems

Motivation: Mutual inductance in high-density MRI arrays can reduce SNR and impair parallel imaging. Understanding these effects in standard measurements is key to optimizing coil design.

Goal(s): To clarify how coupling between RF coil elements influences the S11 and Z11 parameters, providing insights into decoupling effectiveness and design diagnostics.

Approach: We developed and validated a theoretical framework using S11 and Z11 parameters to identify characteristic patterns in coupled and decoupled coil configurations via simulations on the Smith chart.

Results: Our simulations show that S11 and Z11 traces exhibit distinctive shapes in coupled configurations, offering a new diagnostic view for assessing coil decoupling and performance.

Impact: This study provides a deeper understanding of coupling effects, offering a practical tool for diagnosing decoupling issues in high-density array coils. These insights could streamline coil designs, ultimately improving MRI image quality.

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