Radiofrequency measurement of liquid sample dielectric properties for magnetic resonance applications

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.