The present invention provides a system and method of improved homogeneity
whereby at least a portion of an RF coil is filled with homogeneity
enhancing material. Disposing the homogeneity enhancing material, such as
perfluorocarbon, within the RF coil, implementation of thick saturation
pads may be avoided altogether or thinner pads may be used to fill any
voids between the patient and the coil. The present invention is
particularly useful in a CTL coil assembly for acquiring diagnostic data
of the neck region of a patient. However, the advantages achieved by the
present invention may be incorporated into other surface coils for other
anatomical regions where control of the susceptibility is desired.
Additionally, the homogeneity enhancing material also acts as a heat sink
for any hot spots on the coil.