RF resonator array device for use in magnetic resonance imaging and methods of use thereof

A method of making a radiofrequency (RF) resonator array device for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) comprising:

• providing a substrate;
• locating an array of coupled split ring resonators on the substrate, each of the coupled split ring resonators comprising:
• a first split ring resonator positioned on a first side of the substrate;
• and
• a second split ring resonator positioned on a second side of the substrate located opposite the first side, the second split ring resonator coupled to the first split ring resonator, and wherein each of the coupled split ring resonators in the array of coupled split ring resonators are configured to generate a local radiofrequency field that increases resonator signal intensity near the coupled split ring resonator during operation of an MRI device.

A method of generating a magnetic resonance image (MRI) using an MRI device, the method comprising:

• providing a radiofrequency (RF) resonator array device comprising:
• a substrate;
• and
• an array of coupled split ring resonators located on the substrate,
• each of the coupled split ring resonators comprising:
• a first split ring resonator positioned on a first side of the substrate;
• and
• a second split ring resonator positioned on a second side of the substrate located opposite the first side, the second split ring resonator coupled to the first split ring resonator, the second split ring resonator positioned in an orientation rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first split ring resonator, wherein each of the coupled split ring resonators in the array of coupled split ring resonators are configured to generate a local radiofrequency field that increases resonator signal intensity near the coupled split ring resonator during operation of the MRI device;
• positioning the RF resonator array device near a portion of a patient's anatomy to be imaged using the MRI device;
• and
• obtaining an MRI image of the portion of the patient's anatomy using the MRI device, wherein the RF resonator array device inductively couples to a magnetic coil of the MRI device during the obtaining to provide additional flux and amplify the receive MR signal during operation of the MRI device.