RF Coil Development

CAD File Tac G2
Design

Our lab aims to develop RF coils for 7T MRI that are comfortable and robust for routine imaging.

coil
Simulation

Using in-house Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations, we analyze the behavior of the electromagnetic fields produced by the RF coil.

several head models with different optimizations
Optimization

We perform RF shimming to optimize the coil for homogeneity and SAR reduction. We develop novel RF shimming strategies and algorithms to aid in this process.

picture of the coil
Implementation

We manufacture our coils in-house, then test and vaidate them on the 7T scanners. 

RF Coils in Development
31P coil geometry and example MRS
Dual Tuned 31P/1H Tic-Tac-Toe RF Head Coil (Tac G2.5 31P/1H)

Utilizing the same 60-channel transmit system as the Tac G2.5 for 1H, the dual tuned coil will allow for excellent 1H images and 31P spectroscopy in a single scanning session – eliminating the need to switch RF head coils mid-study. This will significantly improve workflows and most importantly, patient comfort. This coil is expected to be deployed for use in our MRI studies in Fall 2025. 

128ch coil and single panel
128-Channel Tic-Tac-Toe RF Head Coil (Tac G3)

With 128 transmit channels, the increased degrees of freedom in RF shimming will allow for even more homogeneous B1+ and extended coverage. The Tac G3 will be the first in our fleet to feature 64 independent receive channels. This coil is expected to be deployed for use in Summer 2026. 

CAD model of a brain coil
Post Mortem Brain Coil (Tac PMB)

Specifically designed for our in-house developed ex vivo brain container, this RF coil will provide excellent post mortem ex vivo human brain imaging at 7T. This coil is expected to be deployed for use in Spring 2027. 

Previous RF Coil Developments

See our previous publications about our RF coils:

RF shimming strategy for an open 60-channel RF transmit 7T MRI head coil for routine use on the single transmit mode

Comparison of the Tac G2 vs Commercial Coil System

 

Improved 7 Tesla transmit field homogeneity with reduced electromagnetic power deposition using coupled Tic Tac Toe antennas

Computational and experimental evaluation of the Tic-Tac-Toe RF coil for 7 Tesla MRI

In-vivo and numerical analysis of the eigenmodes produced by a multi-level Tic-Tac-Toe head transmit array for 7 Tesla MRI

A new RF transmit coil for foot and ankle imaging at 7T MRI

Development of a 7 T RF coil system for breast imaging

Experimental and numerical analysis of B1+ field and SAR with a new transmit array design for 7 T breast MRI

Ultra-high-field RF coil development for evaluating upper extremity imaging applications

Dual optimization method of radiofrequency and quasistatic field simulations for reduction of eddy currents generated on 7T radiofrequency coil shielding