Patent ID: 10436861

Abstract:
Apparatus for a nuclear resonance imaging (MRI) machine (100) that includes plasma elements (104, 106, 108). The MRI machine (100) includes gradient coils (104) that generate time-dependent gradient magnetic fields, transmitting elements (106) that excite target molecules (120) with RF energy (122), and receiving elements (108) responsive to RF energy (124) emitted by the excited molecules (120). The gradient coils (104) include plasma conductors (710) in which the plasma (716) is ignited by an exciter (208). The plasma conductors (710) are electrically connected to a gradient amplifier (206) that outputs a signal to produce the gradient fields. The transmitting elements (106) are plasma devices (710) configured to emit RF energy (122). The receiving elements (108) are plasma devices (710) responsive to emitted RF energy (124). An RF exciter (218) selectively and alternatingly ignites said plasma devices (710) to avoid coupling and interference between them.