The Need: Medical imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing various diseases, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as one of the most important imaging modalities due to its safety and effectiveness. Unlike other imaging methods that use ionizing radiation, MRI poses far fewer risks to patients and medical personnel. With over 60 million MRI scans performed worldwide each year, there is a pressing need for high-quality scans that offer precise and accurate diagnostic information. The challenge lies in achieving homogenous and reliable RF transmit fields, especially at higher static magnetic fields, to ensure consistent image quality and diagnostic sensitivity.

The Technology: The presented technology addresses the challenge of estimating the complex RF transmit field (B1+) of MRI systems quickly, accurately, and robustly, using k-space domain techniques. The B1+ field is crucial for exciting nuclear spins in the object being imaged and generating the magnetic resonance signals necessary for image formation. By encoding both B1 phase and B1 magnitude in the acquisition sequences and applying specialized algorithms to the k-space data, the system can estimate a complex B1+ map of the transmit coil with unprecedented precision.

Commercial Applications:

1. RF Coil Design and Optimization: The technology enables efficient evaluation and optimization of RF coil designs, leading to enhanced coil performance and better image quality.
2. RF Shimming: It facilitates the calibration and adjustment of RF excitation pulses, ensuring optimal frequency, strength, and duration for evoking the desired MRI signals.
3. Quantitative MRI (T1 and Perfusion Imaging): The accurate estimation of the complex B1+ map enhances the reliability and precision of quantitative MRI techniques, such as T1 mapping and perfusion imaging.
4. Electromagnetic Property Tomography Imaging with MRI: By improving the homogeneity of the transmit field, this technology enhances the accuracy and resolution of electromagnetic property tomography imaging.
5. MRI Quality Control and Safety Evaluation: The technology aids in assessing RF safety and evaluating the performance of MRI systems, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.

Benefits/Advantages:

1. Improved Image Quality: The accurate estimation of complex B1+ maps results in high-quality MRI images with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and contrast between normal and pathological tissues.
2. Time-Efficient: By utilizing k-space domain techniques, the technology significantly reduces the time required for B1+ mapping compared to conventional image domain methods.
3. Versatility: The technology can be applied to a wide range of applications, including coil design, RF shimming, quantitative MRI, electromagnetic property tomography, and more.
4. Enhanced Diagnostic Sensitivity: The precise estimation of complex B1+ maps maximizes diagnostic sensitivity, leading to more accurate and confident diagnoses.
5. Patient Safety: As MRI does not involve ionizing radiation, the technology further reinforces MRI's safety advantages, ensuring patients and medical personnel are exposed to minimal risks during scans.