A Zeroth Order resonant element for MRI transmisson line RF coil

Abstract

A Zeroth Order microstrip resonator (ZOR) is proposed as an element for a MRI transmission line RF coil. This paper discusses a design of the ZOR for the RF coil for a 7T MRI system. A balanced metamaterial line is used to achieve broadside radiation. The design has the advantage of generating uniform strong near field up to a vicinity of 3 cm from its surface, and requires minimal tuning and matching when loaded with a phantom. The design can be made for any physical length as it is designed to have its propagation parameter set to zero.