Technologies for large-channel-count MRI array detectors

该研究计划旨在开发技术解决方案，以提高核磁共振成像（MRI）的质量和采集速度。实现这些改进的一种方法是使核磁共振成像所依赖的大磁铁更强。然而，这种解决方案需要付出巨大的财务成本。该研究项目旨在利用数据采集系统的最新改进，该系统允许MRI扫描仪使用比以往更多数量的多天线样传感器（“阵列线圈”）接收数据（想象一下数码相机中的百万像素）。具有大量元素的阵列线圈可以最佳地利用现有的MRI场强，并且与具有较少元素的阵列线圈相比，可以提高图像质量和采集速度。然而，建造如此大的阵列是一项具有挑战性的任务，因为需要将单独的电缆连接到每个阵列的环形元件上。额外的电缆进一步促进了环路之间的“串扰”（想想在一个拥挤的房间里试图从远处听一段对话）。随着回路尺寸的缩小，连接到回路上的放大器不再像当前设计方法假设的那样理想。本研究计划的目的是优化大型MRI阵列的性能，并通过改进设计方法和使用光纤来消除电缆数量增加所带来的问题，充分利用现有的MRI场强。

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.