Abstract
Low-field permanent magnet-based MRI systems are finding increasing use in portable, sustainable and point-of-care applications. In order to maximize performance while minimizing cost many components of such a system should ideally be designed specifically for low frequency operation. In this paper we describe recent developments in constructing and characterising a low-field portable MRI system for in vivo imaging at 50 mT. These developments include the design of i) high-linearity gradient coils using a modified volume-based target field approach, ii) phased-array receive coils, and iii) a battery-operated three-axis gradient amplifier for improved portability and sustainability. In addition, we report performance characterisation of the RF amplifier, the gradient amplifier, eddy currents from the gradient coils, and describe a quality control protocol for the overall system.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 701157 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Frontiers in Physics |
Volume | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Keywords
- gradient amplifier
- gradient coil design
- halbach magnet
- low field MRI
- MR hardware
- quality control
- RF amplifier
- RF coil array