-μ Compact magnetic metamaterial lens for 0.35-T MRI

摘要

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the keystone technique to characterize the psychology and neurochemistry of human body. This imaging mechanism is advanced and with ample significances to detect the biological changes or diseases in human body. This work exploits the notable properties of compact and thin metamaterial (MM) lens that can be use to enhance image quality of 0.35-T MRI systems. The lens structure is based on a three-dimensional array of split-ring resonators (SRRs) having a thickness of only 2.5 mm corresponding the side length of the structure. By including parametric elements (capacitors, inductors) with SRRs, the required resonance at very low working frequency for 0.35-T MRI of 14.88 MHz was achieved. The lens exhibits relative permeability, µ_r = −1.38 + j0.92, which concludes in the resonant enhancement of magnetic field B and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) inside body (phantom) and improved the efficiency of MR (magnetic resonance) coil. Image quality optimizations due to diameter size variations of MR coil of an MRI system in the presence of the MM lens were also done.