Department of Radiology - Medical Physics

Master's Thesis

The Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, is looking for a Master’s Student in Engineering for

Radio Frequency Detector Design for Magnetic Resonance Imaging using ‘Light Coils’

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radio frequency (RF) coils are used to detect the weak MRI signal from the patient. RF coils must be adapted to the patient geometry to acquire the receive signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio – for this reason, adapted coil systems have been designed for virtually every region of the body (head, thorax, heart, extremities). Unfortunately, commercial RF coils are cost-intensive and they only fit a certain range of patient sizes.
In this project we propose a new RF coil technology, “Light Coils,” that are modular individual RF coil elements. The elements can be combined mechanically and are connected optically without a need for metallic coaxial cables to transfer the MRI signal. Elimination of conducting cables for data and power transmission will also increase robustness of the system against electromagnetic interference, cable-cable couplings, and unbalanced currents that is potentially harmful to patients. The new Light Coil technology will improve the efficiency and efficacy of MRI measurements by use of modular RF coils that can be reconfigured to cover the anatomy of interest, even in extreme patient anatomy and size conditions.  

In this master’s project, flexible RF coil elements, an optically activated active detuning system, and low power ultra-low noise amplifiers will be constructed.

The successful candidate should have an interest and initial experience/background in:

• Soldering and PCB design
• Radio frequency electronics and circuit simulation
• Experience in optics is a plus

We offer:

• An interdisciplinary dynamic research environment and the state-of-the-art lab equipment
• Improving RF circuit design and soldering skills
• A better understanding of MR Physics and Antenna Theory
• Academic publications and a potential extension of the project towards a PhD study.

The starting date is negotiable. Please submit your application and documents (preferably by email) to:

Dr. Ali Caglar Özen
ali.oezen@uniklinik-freiburg.de
0761 27093910

Prof. Dr. Michael Bock
michael.bock@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
Radiologische Klinik - Medizin Physik
Killianstr. 5a
79106 Freiburg

Posted: March 3, 2021
Updated: July 7, 2021