Matthew G. Eash

Shield for decoupling RF and gradient coils in an NMR apparatus

A shield for decoupling radio frequency (RF) and magnetic field gradient coils in an NMR apparatus is made up of first and second arrays of electrically conductive regions separated from one another by relatively narrow non-conductive regions. The arrays are disposed on opposite surfaces of a member formed of a high dielectric material. The conductive regions of one array are offset relative to the conductive regions of the other array such that the conductive regions of the one array bridge the non-conductive regions of the other array to form a plurality of capacitive elements. In operation, the capacitive elements act essentially as electrical short-circuits at radio frequencies, but transmit substantially unaffected the homogeneous magnetic field and audio frequencies associated with pulsed magnetic field gradients.