Stretchable self-tuning MRI receive coils based on liquid metal technology (LiquiTune)

Stretchable self-tuning MRI receive coils based on liquid metal technology (LiquiTune)

July 8, 2021 | Elizaveta Motovilova, Ek Tsoon Tan, Victor Taracila, Jana M. Vincent, Thomas Grafendorfer, James Shin, Hollis G. Potter, Fraser J. L. Robb, Darryl B. Sneag, Simone A. Winkler
The paper presents a novel stretchable and self-tuning MRI receive coil design based on liquid metal technology. The coil is constructed using a soft, highly elastic polymer matrix that encapsulates liquid metal conductors. This design allows the coil to conform closely to various anatomical shapes and sizes, improving spatial resolution and diagnostic image quality. The smart geometry of the coil includes a stretchable interdigital capacitor, which helps maintain a stable resonance frequency over a wide range of elongation levels. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations were conducted to optimize the coil parameters, and bench tests confirmed the improved frequency stability and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to commercial rigid coils. In vitro and in vivo imaging experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed coil, showing a 60% increase in SNR and stable performance under stretching conditions. The study highlights the potential of this design for dynamic and kinematic imaging, enhancing patient comfort and clinical applications.The paper presents a novel stretchable and self-tuning MRI receive coil design based on liquid metal technology. The coil is constructed using a soft, highly elastic polymer matrix that encapsulates liquid metal conductors. This design allows the coil to conform closely to various anatomical shapes and sizes, improving spatial resolution and diagnostic image quality. The smart geometry of the coil includes a stretchable interdigital capacitor, which helps maintain a stable resonance frequency over a wide range of elongation levels. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations were conducted to optimize the coil parameters, and bench tests confirmed the improved frequency stability and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to commercial rigid coils. In vitro and in vivo imaging experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed coil, showing a 60% increase in SNR and stable performance under stretching conditions. The study highlights the potential of this design for dynamic and kinematic imaging, enhancing patient comfort and clinical applications.
Reach us at info@study.space