A multiple RF coil system was developed for use in a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR) system to maximize signal to noise ratio over a given field of view with arbitrary placement within the magnet system. Conceptual coil conductor patterns were formulated, a theoretical analysis of magnetic field patterns, coil coupling effects between other coils in the system and the NMR sample, and circuit simulations were performed. A prototype based on the theoretical work was constructed. Laboratory measurements were made to characterize the frequency response of the array. Imaging was performed with a NMR system using phantoms and patients. A summary of work with future directions and applications was presented. |