Title: Simulation and design of an elliptical surface coil for small animal MRI at 3T

Authors: Giulio Giovannetti; Benjamin Michael Hardy; Francesca Frijia; Alessandra Flori; Vincenzo Positano

Addresses: CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy ' Remcom Inc., 315 S. Allen St. Suite 416, State College, PA 16801, USA ' Bioengineering Unit, Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy ' Bioengineering Unit, Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy ' Bioengineering Unit, Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy

Abstract: Custom-designed radiofrequency coils are commonly utilised in preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to image small animals due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility in adaptation to specific anatomical regions. Researchers frequently prefer such specialised coils for targeted metric assessment because their handcrafted nature allows for precise customisation. Rather than repeated experimental iterations, simulation-based refinement of coil architecture streamlines the design process. Numerical simulation methods offer more accurate estimations of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to magnetostatic models. The present study presents a comprehensive validation, using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) full-wave simulation, of an elliptical radiofrequency (RF) coil tailored for small animal MRI applications. The approach incorporates calculations of coil and sample-induced resistances, inductance parameters, and magnetic field distributions under loading conditions with both phantom and whole-body mouse models. The accuracy of the simulation data is verified with data acquired from a transmit/receive elliptical coil prototype for a 3T MRI clinical scanner.

Keywords: magnetic resonance; radiofrequency coils; inductance; magnetic field; resistance; signal-to-noise ratio; SNR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2026.155799

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2026 Vol.51 No.1, pp.77 - 95

Received: 24 Oct 2025
Accepted: 03 Jan 2026
Published online: 14 Aug 2026 *

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