Stretchable receive array based on liquid metal technology

Active Research Project
Investigator(s): 
Simone Angela Winkler, Ph.D. Elizaveta Motovilova, Ph.D.
Related Institute: 
Last Updated: 
June 14, 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on a dense array of radiofrequency (RF) coils to obtain functional and anatomical information inside the body. Tightly fitting coil arrays boost the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and imaging speed. Unfortunately, most commercial RF coils are rigid, and of fixed size, as they are intentionally designed to fit the general patient population and hence provide limited spatial imaging resolution. Coil flexibility and stretchability are modern innovative trends in RF coil design aiming to improve ergonomics, versatility and patient comfort. The Winkler lab uses liquid metal technology to create highly stretchable receive coil arrays. Liquid metal technology relies on the intrinsic flexibility and stretchability of liquid metals, such as gallium-indium alloys. Gallium alloys have many unique properties such as low melting temperature (below room temperature), low vapor pressure (does not easily evaporate), low toxicity (it is even Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for some medical procedures), and the formation of oxide skin (stabilizes metal shape and prevents its leakage). With the help of this technology, it is possible to create adaptive coil arrays that will fit various patients’ anatomies without compromising the SNR. Moreover, dynamic imaging of joints bending could be performed which is not possible with commercial rigid RF coils.

Stretchable receive array video.

Stretchable receive array video.

Weill Cornell Medicine
Department of Radiology
525 East 68th Street New York, NY 10065