Patent ID: 6249121
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
At least one RF coil, comprising:a first and second set of a plurality of parallel-connected primary path conductors for passing electrical current to create a B.sub.1 field, said first set of conductors positioned substantially parallel to said second set of conductors symmetrically about a centerline dividing said RF coil, wherein said B.sub.1 field has a desired homogeneity within an imaging volume resulting from said positioning and from a predetermined current amplitude of each conductor within each of said first and second set when said electrical current energizes each of said first and second sets of primary path conductors; anda first and second return path conductor for transferring said electrical current between said first and second sets of primary path conductors, said first and second return path conductors symmetrically spaced on each side of said centerline, said first and second return path conductors having an outward position further away from said centerline than said first and second sets of primary path conductors resulting in a desired sensitivity drop-off of said B.sub.1 field outside of said imaging volume when said RF coil is energized by said electrical current.