Flexible ultrathin metasurface with open-ring spiral resonators for SNR enhancement in low-field 0.2 T MRI

Abstract

Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems (<0.5 T) have emerged as increasingly valuable tools for emergency and bedside imaging due to their cost-effectiveness and portability, but their adoption is limited by low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Conventional optimization methods offer limited improvements, while current metasurface technologies face challenges related to clinical integration, such as excessive dimensionality, and inadequate SNR enhancement at low magnetic field strengths. Addressing these challenges, we present an ultrathin (0.136 mm) flexible open-ring spiral metasurface (ORSM) engineered via subwavelength resonator optimization. Through rigorous theoretical modeling (equivalent circuit analysis) and comprehensive electromagnetic simulations (0.2 T full-wave analysis), we demonstrate concurrent achievement of: (i) unprecedented 137.1-fold surface field enhancement, (ii) deep-tissue penetration reaching 140 mm, and (iii) exceptional mechanical stability (<0.05 MHz frequency shift under deformation). Experimental validation on a 0.2 T MRI scanner quantitatively confirmed the clinical impact of the ORSM. Testing on a large-volume phantom (180 mm in diameter) demonstrated 97.4–133.2 % SNR enhancement across various regions, resulting in an increase in mean SNR by over 2.3 times. Importantly, the ORSM also optimized field homogeneity, reducing the spatial coefficient of variation from 18.9 % to 3.8 % and the relative SNR variation from 58.3 % to 24.6 %, all while ensuring full compliance with safety standards. This technology uniquely combines clinical-grade flexibility, deep penetration, and substantial SNR amplification with field uniformity, creating a practical pathway for advancing portable MRI in critical care.