An endoscope based on extremely anisotropic metamaterials for applications in magnetic resonance imaging

The possibility of transfer of the spatial distribution of the near-zone RF magnetic field recorded by receiving coils during magnetic resonance imaging with the use of an endoscope designed from an extremely anisotropic metamaterial is considered. Application of such a material can lead to an increase in the image resolution and/or reduction of the object scanning time in the tomograph. Possibilities of the endoscope for the undistorting transfer of the spatial distribution of the alternating magnetic field through significant distances are theoretically studied and transfer of different spatial field distributions from the isocenter of the tomograph to the region of weak static magnetic field is experimentally demonstrated. The dependence of the quality of obtained images on positions receiving coils in the endoscope is studied. It is found that, in addition to the image transfer with a small distortion, it is possible to significantly increase the signal-to-noise ratio by pumping standing waves in a medium consisting of parallel wires.