About

Professor Gregor Adriany has worked in the field of MR Engineering and Ultra High Field (UHF) Research for over 25 years. He holds a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University in Germany, obtained in 1998. Since then, he has been a research faculty member at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. His work has focused on developing RF frontend and MR coil arrays for the highest available magnet field strengths worldwide, including involvement with the first 7 Tesla, 9.4 Tesla, and the most recent 10.5 Tesla whole body magnet at the University of Minnesota. The CMRR is recognized globally as a leading UHF MRI center and is one of the National Biotechnology Resource Centers in the US. Dr. Adriany leads the CMRR Engineering group and is the Principal Investigator responsible for UHF Engineering aspects. His research team concentrates on designing novel transmit and receive array combinations for human and animal imaging at 7 Tesla, 10.5 Tesla, and 16.4 Tesla, with recent efforts on ultra-fast frontend technology and extending RF frontend technology towards 128 receiver channels for 7T and 10.5T, as well as developing multi-channel head arrays. His specialty coils and arrays are used for both preclinical and human imaging at ultra-high field strengths.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Materials science
• Physics
• Optoelectronics
• Computational physics
• Mathematics
• Pure mathematics
• Psychology
• Nuclear magnetic resonance
• Neuroscience
• Optics

Selected publications

• An 80-channel receive array for 10.5T neuroimaging: Key considerations for SNR optimization

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2026-05-11

  article

  Abstract Purpose High-density RF receive arrays are required to realize the inherently available SNR and parallel imaging advantages at ultrahigh field strengths, which are essential for high-resolution functional and anatomical brain MRI. This study aims to systematically assess the impacts of often-overlooked parasitic losses associated with various RF coil components, as these losses can degrade the realized SNR and cause significant deviation from the ultimate intrinsic SNR (uiSNR; the theoretical upper bound of available SNR). In addition, we seek to detail engineering solutions to each of these loss mechanisms in pursuit of achieving a higher fraction of the uiSNR limit. Methods A 16-channel loop-folded dipole transceiver array was developed for 10.5T human head applications and paired with a fully-updated 64-channel receive-only loop array. The optimization of the receive array considered several factors, including (but not limited to) coil dimensions to accommodate a larger population, the size and number of loops to enhance SNR and parallel imaging performance, and circuit design strategies to minimize parasitic losses. The SNR and parallel imaging performance of the receive array were quantitatively assessed by comparison with the uiSNR, as well as existing high-channel-count receive arrays at 7T and 10.5T. Finally, the complete 16-channel transmit, 80-channel receive coil array was safety validated for human use and employed for high-resolution functional and anatomical MRI at 10.5T. Results Initial results show that the 80-channel array, featuring larger loops in an overlapped layout with optimized circuitry, significantly improves the SNR and approaches the uiSNR limit in a large fraction of the head, while maintaining or enhancing the parallel imaging performance compared to previously used non-overlap layout. Conclusion This study suggests that, although the traditionally used high-channel-count loop receive array technology can approach the uiSNR limit in the >10T regime, meticulous design optimization—including systematic assessment and minimization of parasitic losses—has become increasingly critical for achieving this goal in this new field-strength territory.

  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscale whole-brain T2*-weighted and associated quantitative MRI in humans at 10.5 T

  OpenNeuro · 2026-01-01

  datasetOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscale Whole‐Brain <scp> <i>T</i> ₂ </scp> *‐Weighted and Associated Quantitative <scp>MRI</scp> in Humans at 10.5 T

  Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · 2026-04-07

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Purpose To demonstrate mesoscale whole‐brain T 2 *‐weighted ( T 2 *w) MRI at 10.5 T, quantify R 2 * relaxation rate and magnetic susceptibility ( χ ), and evaluate T 2 *w contrast at such high field strength. Methods Multi‐echo GRE (ME‐GRE) data were collected in healthy adults at 0.5 mm isotropic resolution at 10.5 T. Whole‐brain images were reconstructed with navigator‐guided joint motion and field correction and were used for quantitative R 2 * and χ mapping. Regional R 2 * and χ values and R 2 * contrast were analyzed in volumetric regions of interest (ROIs) and intra‐cortical surface‐based ROIs. For comparison, ME‐GRE data from the same subjects were acquired using a similar protocol at 7 T. Results High‐quality whole‐brain T 2 *w images were obtained, enabling R 2 * and χ mapping with delineation of fine‐scale brain structures. Regional R 2 * analysis revealed a linear relationship between 10.5 T and 7 T R 2 * values with a slope of 1.52, in agreement with previously reported linear field dependency of R 2 *. Estimated χ values were field‐independent in most brain regions under consideration except for the basal ganglia where χ was observed to be lower at 10.5 T than at 7 T. The normalized R 2 * contrast that is, the R 2 * difference normalized by the mean R 2 *, increased by about 3% between brain regions and 12% between cortical depths from 7 to 10.5 T. Conclusion It is feasible to achieve high‐quality mesoscale whole‐brain T 2 *w MRI at 10.5 T and associated quantitative R 2 * and χ mapping. Our results may aid future optimization of anatomic T 2 *w brain MRI at ultrahigh field beyond 7 T.

  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscale whole-brain T2*-weighted and associated quantitative MRI in humans at 10.5 T

  OpenNeuro · 2026-01-01

  datasetOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscale whole-brain T2*-weighted and associated quantitative MRI in humans at 10.5 T

  OpenNeuro · 2026-01-01

  datasetOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• A Numerical Alternative to <scp>MR</scp> Thermometry for Safety Validation of Multi‐Channel <scp>RF</scp> Transmit Coils

  Magnetic Resonance in Medicine · 2026-03-31 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Purpose This study proposes a numerical technique to estimate peak local specific absorption rate (SAR) uncertainty of multi‐channel RF coils during the process of safety validation as an alternative to experimental temperature and electric‐field measurements, and demonstrates its use to enable human studies at 10.5 T. Methods To ensure patient safety, SAR limits established under international guidelines must not be exceeded. Predicting SAR on state‐of‐the‐art parallel transmit systems relies on electromagnetic simulations, which require extensive experimental validation. Despite a well‐established validation workflow, SAR prediction errors are unavoidable and must be quantified as a safety margin. While MRT tests are commonly used for this purpose, their technical challenges necessitate an alternative. The proposed technique propagates the error between experimentally and numerically acquired distributions to the uncertainty in simulated peak local SAR using Monte‐Carlo simulations without the need for MRT. This method was validated using a 16‐channel transceiver 10.5 T torso coil, as well as an 8‐channel 10.5 T head coil. Results The proposed numerical technique proved more conservative than existing MRT‐based SAR error quantification methods across all tested scenarios. Its application to validate three state‐of‐the‐art head coils (16Tx/32Rx, 16Tx/80Rx, and 16Tx/128Rx) led to regulatory approval for human head imaging and high‐quality diffusion and functional MRI results at 10.5 T. Conclusion The proposed technique requires only the experimental acquisition of maps for comparison with simulations, enabling the estimation of SAR prediction uncertainty. This technique was applied to three 16‐channel transmit arrays, each used in conjunction with high‐channel‐count receive arrays for in vivo imaging.

  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscale whole-brain T2*-weighted and associated quantitative MRI in humans at 10.5 T

  OpenNeuro · 2026-01-01

  datasetOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Mesoscale whole-brain T2*-weighted and associated quantitative MRI in humans at 10.5 T

  OpenNeuro · 2026-01-01

  datasetOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Simultaneous zero echo time fMRI of rat brain and spinal cord

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: Currently fMRI focuses on either brain or spinal cord but rarely both. This is due to the demand of homogenous magnetic field over a large FOV. A comprehensive evaluation of central nervous system from distant sites would be crucial in many disorders that encompass both the brain and the spinal cord. Goal(s): To robustly detect fMRI responses simultaneously in rat brain and lumbar spinal cord. Approach: We utilized zero echo time MB-SWIFT fMRI sequence with dual-FOV approach. Results: We detected robust activations during hind limb stimulation in relevant areas of brain and spinal cord at individual and group level. Impact: The dual-FOV zero echo time sequence enables more comprehensive evaluation of central nervous system function and reorganization in different diseases or disorders such as pain and spinal cord injury.

  PublisherDOI

• Multi-layer RF coil design optimization for 23Na and 1H knee imaging at 7T

  Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition · 2025-09-16

  article

  Motivation: Sodium MRI shows promise in detecting biochemical changes in cartilage and investigating meniscal root tears. Goal(s): To develop the RF technology needed to unleash the potential of 7T sodium imaging for knee applications. Approach: A multi-layer RF coil design was optimized through simulation exploring separate transmit-receive strategies, high density receive arrays, ultra-high permittivity material, and proton element integration strategies. Experimental testing validated multi-nuclear transmit performance. Results: An average SNR increase of ~40% and improved transmit performance was achieved for sodium by incorporating uHPM and a receive-only array. Proton imaging was possible without impacting sodium performance using flexible monopoles. Impact: The proposed multi-layer RF coil offers an SNR-optimized design for sodium imaging of the knee at 7T providing the resolution needed for robust biomarkers to diagnose and evaluate repair of damaged cartilage and meniscal root tears, primary causes of osteoarthritis.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• TRD2: Mapping of Molecular and Physiological Tissue Properties at UHF

  NIH · $20.6M · 2019–2029

• Multi-Channel Transmit - Multi-Channel Receive Coil Array for Human fMRI

  NIH · $150k · 2016–2017

Frequent coauthors

• Kâmil Uǧurbil

  360 shared

• Pierre‐François Van de Moortele

  198 shared

• Lance DelaBarre

  151 shared

• Russell Lagore

  132 shared

• Andrea Grant

  Resonance Research (United States)

  93 shared

• Essa Yacoub

  Resonance Research (United States)

  92 shared

• Yiǧitcan Eryaman

  92 shared

• Edward J. Auerbach

  82 shared

Education

• Dr.-Ing, Electrical Engineering

  RWTH Aachen University

  1998

• MSEE, Electrical Engineering

  Rheinisch Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen,Elektrotechnik

  1992