Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus includes a magnet that generates a static magnetic field, e.g., 7T, and a resonance excitation system that induces resonance in an observed nuclear species such as 13C or 31P. A decoupling delay generator introduces pauses between adjacent pulses of a decoupling pulse train configured to decouple a coupled species such as 1H. An RF amplifier whose energy shortage capacity would be exceeded by the pulse train without the pauses amplifies the pulse train with the pauses. The pauses are sufficiently short that decoupling and Nuclear Overhauser Effect enhancement are not adversely affected, but long enough to provide recovery time to the RF amplifier, e.g., 0.2 msec.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus (10) includes a magnet (18) that generates a static magnetic field, e.g., 7T, a resonance excitation system (26, 30, 32) induces resonance in an observed nuclear species such as 13C or 31P. A decoupling delay generator (48) introduces pauses between adjacent pulses of a decoupling pulse train configured to decouple a coupled species such as 1H. An RF amplifier (32, 44) whose energy shortage capacity would be exceeded by the pulse train without the pauses amplifies the pulse train with the pauses. The pauses are sufficiently short that decoupling and Nuclear Overhauser Effect enhancement are not adversely affected, but long enough to provide recovery time to the RF amplifier, e.g., 0.2 msec.

Abstract: A whole body RF antenna (22) surrounds an examination region (14). A localized coil array (40) having a plurality of coils (42a, 43b, . . . ) is mounted in the examination region. A switch array (48) selectively connects a selected one of the coils with an output (46). In a pilot or alignment scan, an imaging sequence is conducted using the whole body antenna (22) to generate an image of a portion of the surface coil array and the patient in the examination region. The coil array includes a marker (82) that is readily identifiable in the resultant image displayed on a video monitor (36). The location of slices for more detailed imaging are selected by positioning a cursor (64) on the video display. The position or coordinate system of the selected slices is aligned with the position or coordinate system of the coil array by positioning the cursor over the image of the marker and noting its position. Properties or parameters of each coil of the array are stored in a look up table (74).