Nmr spectroscopy and imaging coil

Abstract

In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a first frequency radio signal source (20a) is connected in quadrature with a four fold symmetric birdcage coil (24) at 90.degree. spaced connection points (80a,b). A source of a second radio frequency signal is directly connected with the birdcage coil by first and second inductive couplings (70a,b). The birdcage coil includes tank circuits (52) and capacitors (58, 60) in the end connectors. The capacitance of the end connectors is simultaneously adjustable by a tuning ring (62) to adjust a first resonance frequency of the coil and the capacitance of the tank circuits is selectively adjustable to adjust a second resonant frequency of the birdcage coil. In this manner, the birdcage coil is simultaneously tuned to two frequencies and can operate in quadrature at either one. PIN diodes (92) are provided for de-tuning the coil such that it operates in a third mode in which no resonance frequency exists such that the birdcage coil does not interfere with reception of resonance signals by a surface coil (42). When operating in quadrature, additional PIN diodes (114) are provided for connecting the RF feed point to one node (102a) of a 90.degree. phase shift circuit (100) in the transmit mode and to the opposite node (102b) of the 90.degree. phase shift circuit in the receive mode.