Coil elements (18) generate a B1 excitation field in an examination region (14), which B1 excitation field is distorted by patient loading (e.g., wavelength effects). Passive shimming elements (22, 24) are disposed between the coil elements and the subject in order to improve the B1 field uniformity. In one embodiment, passive shimming elements include one or more dielectric rods (55) disposed below the subject which generate no substantial MR proton signal and which have a permittivity of at least 100 and preferably greater than 500. In another embodiment, tubes (24) adjacent each coil element are supplied with a dielectric liquid, a thickness of the dielectric liquid between the coil element and the subject adjusting a phase of the B1 field generated by the coil element. Active B1 shimming may be combined with passive shimming elements (22, 24) to effect an improved RF field homogeneity result.
