A 4-channel RF coil based on a novel dipole-element with eigen-resonant shielding plate for 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

First imaging tests of a 4-channel RF coil using novel 41 cm-long dipole elements with an eigen-resonant shielding plate in a 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are presented. The proposed 4-channel coil is loaded by a homogeneous phantom to model the human body. Gradient echo images on the transverse, sagittal and coronal planes are acquired in CP⁺ mode and compared to the more established 25 cm-long elements. Relative B₁⁺ maps for each channel show good separation of transmit sensitivities. The proposed coil exhibits improved image homogeneity on transverse planes due to the broader field distribution, and a large longitudinal field-of-view.