Abstract
This paper presents a multilayer four-leaf-clover-shaped EBG structure as a high impedance surface behind a 7 Tesla MRI stripline coil (meander dipole), operating at 300MHz. The proposed EBG structure has been characterized by its in-phase band gap reflection coefficient, and the surface wave suppression band gap properties. The electrical cell size of the analyzed EBG structure has been reduced to 6.8% of free-space wavelength. The MRI stripline coil backed by the proposed EBG structure exhibited stronger (by 57%) magnetic over electric field ratio than the original design using a PEC ground plane for the coil. The longitudinal RF field of view (FOV) has been maximized when the strip-line coil length is increased from 25cm to 35cm.