Technologies for large-channel-count MRI array detectors

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This research program aims to develop technical solutions that will improve the quality and acquisition speed of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One way to achieve these improvements is to make the large magnets on which MRI is based much stronger. However this solution comes at great financial cost. This research program aims to take advantage of recent improvements in data acquisition systems that have allowed MRI scanners to receive using greater numbers of multiple antenna-like sensors ("array coils") than ever before (think of megapixels in a digital camera). Array coils with large numbers of elements make optimal use of existing MRI field strengths and offer improvements in image quality and acquisition speed over those from arrays with fewer elements. However, building such large arrays is a challenging task due to the need to connect individual cables to each of the array's loop-shaped elements. The additional cables further contribute to "crosstalk" between the loops (think of trying to listen to one conversation from a distance in a room crowded with people). As the loop dimensions shrink the amplifiers connected to the loops are no longer ideal as current design methods assume. The objective of this research program is to optimize the performance of large arrays for MRI and take full advantage of existing MRI field strengths by improving the design methods and using fiber-optics to eliminate the problems caused by the increasing number of cables.