Decoupling of dual-tuned MRI coils by using distributed magnetic traps

Dual tuned (DT) coplanar and concentric Radio Frequency (RF) coils, tuned at the resonance frequencies of hydrogen (1H) and sodium (23Na), are a valid way to co-register anatomical and physiological information in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In this common solution, the high mutual coupling between the coils causes a shift in the resonance-desired frequencies. We propose an innovate strategy for decoupling coils by employing coplanar distributed magnetic traps (DMT), designed to work in maximum coupling condition, i.e. the simultaneous conjugate matching of the feeding ports.