New head gradient coil design and construction techniques.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To design and build a head insert gradient coil to use in conjunction with body gradients for superior imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The use of the boundary element method to solve for a gradient coil wire pattern on an arbitrary surface allowed us to incorporate engineering changes into the electromagnetic design of a gradient coil directly. Improved wire pattern design was combined with robust manufacturing techniques and novel cooling methods. RESULTS: The finished coil had an efficiency of 0.15 mT/m/A in all three axes and allowed the imaging region to extend across the entire head and upper part of the neck. CONCLUSION: The ability to adapt an electromagnetic design to necessary changes from an engineering perspective leads to superior coil performance.