PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable non-invasive imaging technology, but it is expensive and out of reach for many centers, especially those in rural areas of the US and developing countries. MRI’s significant siting requirements for safe operation can double or triple the cost of systems, and therefore are a major barrier to access. The growing popularity of portable MRI systems highlights the demand for more accessible and affordable MRI technology, but these systems do not offer the same image quality and versatility as conventional clinical scanners and remain specialized equipment dedicated to specific populations and conditions. This proposal aims to advance the technology needed to dramatically reduce the siting burden of conventional superconducting scanners (factor of ~2x), thus drastically improving patient access to whole-body systems that are applicable to all populations and conditions. The proposal introduces and validates a new approach combining passive and active radiofrequency (RF) radiation cancellation in the far-field regime. We are developing the approach through a comprehensive program of electromagnetic modeling, system design, and experimental verification to solve the problem of transmit Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) in MRI without using a Faraday cage. We leverage 20 years of research and expertise in electromagnetic modeling and parallel transmission (pTx) technology to tackle this new and important problem that has received little-to-no attention from the engineering community. Importantly, this proposal aligns with my research background and interests and was specifically designed in conjunction with my mentors to enable me to become an independent investigator. A K99/R00 award would help me jumpstart a bioengineering career focused on addressing clinically important problems through innovative technological approaches. Following the R00 phase, I plan to continue my career at the cutting edge of technology development for MRI, maximizing the impact on patient health and accessibility. My ultimate goal is to develop into an independent investigator who creates and applies new technology to improve the accessibility and affordability of MRI while maintaining high standards of safety and quality for patient care. The Martinos Center at Massachusetts General Hospital provides an ideal environment and infrastructure to execute the proposed research strategy. The Center offers extensive hardware and computing resources, as well as several large-bore MR scanners that will facilitate the technical development of this proposal, aiming to eliminate the need for a Faraday shielded cage. To facilitate my transition to independence, I have collaborated with my mentors to design a training program that includes coursework, specialized seminars, and clinical shadowing. During the K99 phase, I will be mentored by world-leading experts in MRI physics and hardware development (Dr. Lawrence L. Wald), neuroradiology (Dr. Susie Yi Huang), and MRI RF coil development and optimization (Dr. Bastien Guerin). Their expertise and mentorship will guide me in this project and my training.

NARRATIVE Whole-body MRI scanners face limited accessibility due to their high expense and specific siting requirements, which can substantially increase costs. MRI suites rely on a costly Faraday shielded room to eliminate image artifacts caused by external radio waves as well as reduce radio wave emission which can disrupt nearby hospital equipment. We aim to enhance MRI accessibility and reduce expenses by replacing the Faraday shield with a combination of strategically placed passive EM absorbers within the MRI bore and an active cancellation system based on the parallel transmission (pTx) technology.