Title: Radiofrequency measurement of liquid sample dielectric properties for magnetic resonance applications

Authors: Valentina Hartwig, Giulio Giovannetti, Nicola Vanello, Luigi Landini, Antonio Benassi

Addresses: Interdepartmental Research Center 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56100 Pisa, Italy. ' Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 S. Cataldo, Pisa, Italy. ' Interdepartmental Research Center 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56100 Pisa, Italy. ' Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Caruso, 56122 Pisa, Italy. ' Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 S. Cataldo, Pisa, Italy

Abstract: Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the dosimetric parameter currently used as a standard in the safety recommendation reports for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. In this paper, a coil-based system for liquid sample dielectric property measurements in the RF range is proposed, characterised by the non-contact between the sample and the measurement electrodes. The measurement system is described, tests of conventional liquid dielectric properties are reported and, finally, saline solution conductivity measurements used for the preparation of MR phantoms are reported and discussed.

Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging; MRI; radiofrequency band; RF; specific absorption rate; SAR; dielectric properties; resonant coils; radiofrequency measurement; liquid samples; safety; biomedical technology; saline solutions; conductivity measurements; biological tissues.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2007.015858

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2007 Vol.1 No.2, pp.158 - 171

Published online: 25 Nov 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article