RF magnetic shields which support tangential electric fields. The RF shields
are
particularly suited for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, but may
also be used in other radio frequency applications. The RF magnetic shields may
include a dielectric layer having conductive regions separated by non-conductive
regions on each side thereof to form a plurality of capacitive elements. The capacitive
elements are partially non-conductive at radio frequencies such that the electrical
component tangent to the shield is supported and the magnetic component perpendicular
to the shield is blocked. The size and shape of the non-conductive and conductive
regions are selected to develop a capacitive voltage across the capacitive elements
at radio frequencies, and be substantially non-conductive at frequencies other
than RF. The RF magnetic shields provide an electrical field that is uniform around
the entire sample volume.
