Magnetic field gradient coil and assembly

Abstract

The present invention is a magnetic field gradient coil, assembly and system for use in imaging techniques requiring a magnetic field gradient. The magnetic field gradient coil includes a plurality of conductors wherein each conductor is arranged in a substantially spatially parallel relationship with respect to the other conductors for generating a magnetic field gradient. The plurality of substantially spatially parallel conductors may be integrated in a flexible structure. The flexible structure may be ribbon cable. The magnetic field gradient coil may further include a plurality of layers of the substantially spatially parallel conductors wherein each layer substantially overlies the preceding layer. A selected number of the substantially spatially parallel conductors may be electrically connected in parallel thereby providing a desired switching speed, or a desired field gradient strength, or a desired match of the output impedance of an electrical power source. Gradient coils designed and fabricated according to the present invention provide the advantages of ease of construction, improved winding uniformity, and better uniformity of the magnetic field gradient.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.