Abstract. In this paper we present electromagnetic (EM) analysis of the unloaded slotted-tube resonator (STR) with a circular cross section, using the finite element method (FEM) and method of moments (MoM) in two dimensions. This analysis allows the determination of the primary parameters: [L] and [C] matrices, optimization of the field homogeneity, and simulates the frequency response of S₁₁ at the RF port of the designed STR. The optimum configuration is presented, taking into account the effect of the thickness of the STR and the effect of the RF shield. As an application, we present the design results of a MRI probe using the STR and operating at 500 MHz (proton imaging at 11.74 T). The resonator has −69.37 dB minimum reflection and an unloaded quality factor (Q_o) > 500 at 500 MHz.

Print publication: Issue 16 (21 August 2007)
Received 17 March 2007, in final form 6 June 2007
Published 1 August 2007