High resolution magnetic resonance imaging using surface coils.

There is, of course, an intense activity directed at the improvement of MR imaging capabilities. Surface-coil techniques offer the possibility of improving the SNR sufficiently to permit the reduction of pixel sizes to values that would not be possible with conventional head and body coils. The successful application of surface-coil techniques to MR imaging suggests that this technique will be widely used in future MR imaging systems. This provides a fertile field for new research. This includes opportunities for mathematical and physical research into optimizing coil design. It also includes many opportunities for clinical research into the utilization of surface coils and high resolution MR imaging.