To summarize, WP2 will be dedicated to Numerical experimentation to optimize the software, already in good shape thanks to the M-Cube project. The aim is to optimize our metamaterial birdcage faster than commercial software. At this stage, we will have our optimized design for metamaterial birdcages taking the best of HMA (hybridized meta-atom) and CBC (connected birdcage) approaches developed in the FET project.
The results obtained with our software will be checked and validated on the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) commercial software. The transmit coil (Tx-coil) will be realized and tested on phantom on the 7T MRI scanner. This will be the focus of the WP3 - Metamaterial birdcage coil.
Next, the development of the receive coil (Rx-coil) will complete the MRI coil in the WP4 - Receive array coil. A study will be realized to improve the SNR by developing our own electronics. The design of the Rx-array coil will integrate the detuning of the coil in order to avoid interference during the transmit phase.
Finally, the complete MRI coil, with both Tx and Rx components, will be measured on volunteers. This is the scope of the WP5 - In vivo measurement and ethics. This will complement the first in vivo measurement in the M-Cube project in “restricted SAR mode”. Every document required for safety measurement in “realistic SAR mode” will be provided.