TRANSVERSE -ELECTROMAGNETIC (TEM) RADIO - FREQUENCY COIL FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE

摘要

The present invention provides a transverse-electromagnetic (TEM) radio-frequency coil (1) for a magnetic resonance system, especially for a magnetic resonance imaging system.In particular, the inventive concept provides a coil (1) in which at least one of the opposite end regions of the elongate strip section (4) of each TEM coil element (2) has a lateral extension (6) transverse to a longitudinal extent of the strip section (4). These lateral extensions (6) combine with strip sections (4) to form L-or U-shaped TEM coil elements (2) and provide 'ring-like' current contributions resulting in a reduction of the z-sensitivity compared with a conventional TEM coil. The result is a coil array having TEM coil elements (2) that provide smaller sensitivity profiles in the z-direction, yet preserve the characteristics of a well-defined RF ground, e.g. via an RF shield or screen (3).The reduced field of view in z-direction not only reduces noise reception but also reduces the SAR generated in those regions during transmission.