Quantitative spectral/spatial analysis of phased array coil in magnetic resonance imaging based on method of moment

A new approach for analysis of RF coils in magnetic resonance (MR) experiments is reported. Instead of assuming current distribution in conventional quasi-static algorithm, this approach transforms the coil geometry into an equivalent circuit for complex current calculation. Self and mutual inductance are taken into consideration. Frequency responses of RF coils and transverse magnetic field (B/sub 1/) maps can be simulated. This approach is especially efficient for phased array coil design for its small matrix size when implemented on computers. Experiments on both single surface coils and phased array coils are consistent with simulation results.