MEMS MR detector coils

In a joint project between the Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Imaging Sciences Departments of Imperial College, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is being used to construct 3D RF coil arrangements on silicon for use as miniature detectors for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Applications include fiducial marking, biopsy evaluation and in-vivo imaging. Methods of fabricating multi-axis coils with embedded proton sources, low-cost Helmholtz coils, and coils that may be expanded after gastroscopic insertion are described, and details of current performance are given.