MEMS switch integrated radio frequency coils and arrays for magnetic resonance imaging.

Surface coils are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. While smaller diameter coils produce higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) closer to the coil, imaging larger fields of view or greater distance into the sample requires a larger overall size array or, in the case of a channel count limited system, larger diameter coils. In this work, we consider reconfiguring the geometry of coils and coil arrays such that the same coil or coil array may be used in multiple field of view imaging. A custom designed microelectromechanical systems switch, compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, is used to switch in/out conductive sections and components to reconfigure coils. The switch does not degrade the SNR and can be opened/closed in 10 μs, leading to rapid reconfiguration. Results from a single coil, configurable between small/large configurations, and a two-coil phased array, configurable between spine/torso modes, are presented.