Re-Engineering Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanners

Abstract: Although expensive, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an indispensable diagnostic tool because of its versatility and excellent soft-tissue contrast. An MRI scanner uses three fields: Static, gradient, and radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields. My research group is focused on developing novel designs to produce gradient and radiofrequency magnetic fields. Instead of generating these fields using a single coil and its dedicated amplifier, we propose using array technologies that reduce the cost of the system and increase its versatility. This presentation will be about the digitally controlled gradient and RF array systems for MRI scanners.

 

Bio: Dr. Ergin Atalar received a BS degree from Boğaziçi University in 1985. His MS and Ph.D. degrees are from Middle East Technical and Bilkent Universities, respectively. He joined Johns Hopkins University in 1991 as a postdoctoral fellow and became a professor of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical, and Electronics Departments before his return to Bilkent. He is the founder of the National Magnetic Resonance Research (UMRAM) and Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Centers. Dr. Atalar also co-founded ClearPoint Neurologic Inc. and Troyka Med. He published over 120 peer-reviewed journal papers and authored 50 US patents. His h-indexes are 42 (Scopus) and 68 (Google Scholar). He received the 2006 TUBITAK Science Award. He is a fellow of ISMRM and National Academy of Inventors and a member of “Bilim Akademisi” and Academia Europaea.