In this proposal, the Finite-Volume Time-Domain (FVTD) engine will be enhanced by including the ability to model non-linear interface circuitry, dispersive media and instrumentation cabling found in MRI systems.
Postdoctoral fellow: Dr. Ian Jeffrey, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba Lead faculty member: Dr. Joe LoVetri, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba
Among the core components of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems are the radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver coils responsible for acquiring the signals used to create images. Specialized imaging techniques typically include the use of custom RF coils to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and localize the area within the body being imaged. The design of such RF coils requires sophisticated electromagnetic (EM) algorithms that include, for example, the modeling of interface circuitry and cabling used to drive the coils.
Recently, research funded by a Mitacs-Accelerate internship proved the viability of using a Finite-Volume Time-Domain (FVTD) method to model such coils. In this proposal, the FVTD engine developed in that project will be enhanced by including the ability to model non-linear interface circuitry, dispersive media and instrumentation cabling found in MRI systems. The new tool will be used to design and optimize specialized MRI RF coils for various imaging applications.