Simulation analysis on quality factor of RF receiving coil for an MRI system

Radio frequency (RF) receiving coil is an important element for the signal collection for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Quality factor (Q) of the RF receiving coil is a crucial parameter impacting the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and imaging quality of an MRI system. The quality factor Q value of conventional copper receiving coil has achieved a high-point. Selecting superconducting material as the resonance loop of receiving coil can decrease the equivalent resistance and enhance the quality factor. In this study, high frequency electromagnetism simulation software Ansoft HFSS was adopted to investigate the Q value of the RF receiving coil. According to the experiment dimension of the Bi2223 and MgB₂ superconducting receiving coil, the simulation models were established, the frequency characteristic curves of the resonance loop were simulated and compared with the the same size copper coil. This study indicates that using superconducting material as RF receiving coil can efficiently enhance the quality factor for a low field MRI system, thus improve the SNR and imaging quality of an MRI system. The research results are significant to the application of the high temperature superconductor in modern medical field.