This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Siemens Medical Solutions has been working with the MGH for the past 4 years on developing high field (7T) MRI technology for research applications of the brain. The MGH system was installed as a prototype and test-bed for developing this technology. Siemens has dedicated 3 on-site engineers to facilitate this and other projects at the MGH and has a 7T project manager at the factory in Erlangen. Access to equipment, manufacturing ability and expertise at Siemens has been invaluable to MGH for successfully getting this system running and optimizing its performance. Seven Tesla technology is still relatively new for all involved; there is no known optimal configuration that can just be shipped. For example, Project 2 of our Resource has evaluated multiple iterations of most of the important sub-systems. We have utilized 3 different head gradients, 2 different types configurations, 2 different RF receiver incarnations, and countless RF coils. The collaboration with Siemens has been crucial for ensuring that this system is optimized for the functional imaging applications desired. The array technology collaboration centers around developing the 96-channel receiver system, consisting of 3 modules of the 32-channel receiver system. Before this 96-channle system can be assembled in the 7T system, Siemens will modify the components of the receiver modules to operate at 300MHz. The system hardware and software will then be upgraded to the new system level and 32 channels will be installed and tested. After testing the 32-channel configuration, the 2 additional 32-channel units will be installed and the reconstruction software will be modified by Siemens to accommodate the increased number of channels. Siemens will provide the receiver modules at an parts cost basis. We will be responsible for providing and installing the preamplifier array and second stage amplifiers.
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