What is the main advantage of using quadrature coils over linear coils?

The main advantage of using quadrature coils over linear coils lies in their ability to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Quadrature coils are designed to receive signals in two orthogonal directions, which allows for more efficient signal capture from the magnetic field. This dual reception enables them to collect more data simultaneously compared to linear coils, which typically receive signals from only one direction.

Higher SNR is critical in MRI as it leads to clearer images with greater detail. This improved image quality is particularly beneficial for diagnosing and assessing various medical conditions. Therefore, the enhanced SNR provided by quadrature coils is paramount in improving the overall effectiveness of MRI scans.

While other options may touch on aspects such as production costs, scan times, or coil weight, they do not directly address the fundamental advantage of quadrature coils in terms of signal collection and image quality enhancement.