Subwavelength dielectric waveguide for efficient travelling-wave magnetic resonance imaging

Yang Gao (), Tong Liu, Tao Hong, Youtong Fang, Wen Jiang and Xiaotong Zhang ()
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Yang Gao: Xidian University
Tong Liu: Xidian University
Tao Hong: Xidian University
Youtong Fang: Zhejiang University
Wen Jiang: Xidian University
Xiaotong Zhang: Zhejiang University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has diverse applications in physics, biology, and medicine. Uniform excitation of nuclei spins through circular-polarized transverse magnetic component of electromagnetic field is vital for obtaining unbiased tissue contrasts. However, achieving this in the electrically large human body poses a significant challenge, especially at ultra-high fields (UHF) with increased working frequencies (≥297 MHz). Canonical volume resonators struggle to meet this challenge, while radiative excitation methods like travelling-wave (TW) show promise but often suffer from inadequate excitation efficiency. Here, we introduce a new technique using a subwavelength dielectric waveguide insert that enhances both efficiency and homogeneity at 7 T. Through TE11-to-TM11 mode conversion, power focusing, wave impedance matching, and phase velocity matching, we achieved a 114% improvement in TW efficiency and mitigated the center-brightening effect. This fundamental advancement in TW MRI through effective wave manipulation could promote the electromagnetic design of UHF MRI systems.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46638-5

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