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. This work will develop the necessary hardware, software, and techniques for imaging multiple samples on a MRI system. First, the necessary RF coils, shields, and feed structures will be constructed to interface the 7T imaging system and various scanning configurations will be examined. Images will be collected and characterized by SNR and acquisition time. Finally, the necessary post-processing software will be developed to eliminate foldover and reduce the effects of ghost images caused by poor isolation. Ultimately it will be proven that SNR efficiency (SNR for a given acquisition time compared to a single channel) can be improved by a factor of N (number of channels) over that of a single channel, and thus approach the theoretical maximum efficiency published by Bock et. al. (Mag. Res. Med., 49, 158-167, 2003). Initially four coils will be designed, fabricated, and tested. Isolation between coils will be measured and the relative quality of each RF coil will be characterized. The passive components in the receiver chain will be measured for isolation and amplitude/phase balance. Ultimately isolation and balance will be maximized between channels.
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