Abstract: A parallel MR imaging method that uses a reconstruction algorithm that combines the GRAPPA image reconstruction method and the compressed sensing (CS) image reconstruction method in an iterative approach (200) or joint energy optimization approach (300).

Abstract: A laboratory NMR methodology (and corresponding laboratory apparatus) defines a sample volume. The method stores downhole tool data corresponding to a hydrocarbon-bearing sample collected from a given subsurface formation. The downhole tool data includes parameters pertaining to magnetic fields used by a downhole tool during a suite of NMR measurements of the given subsurface formation. The sample is positioned in the sample volume of the laboratory apparatus, which applies a static magnetic field in the sample volume. Furthermore, the laboratory apparatus applies a suite of NMR measurements to the sample volume to thereby determine a property of the sample. The NMR measurements of the suite each include a pulse sequence of oscillating magnetic field in conjunction with a pulsed-mode gradient field. The pulsed-mode gradient field is based on the stored downhole tool data corresponding to the sample. A laboratory NMR methodology for optimizing downhole NMR measurements is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first magnetic resonance (MR) coil element configured to output a first set of MR data at a first output frequency and a first mixer coupled to the first MR coil element. The first mixer is configured to receive the first set of MR data from the first MR coil element and frequency translate the first set of MR data to a first offset frequency different from the first output frequency by a first offset value. The apparatus also includes a digitizer coupled to the first mixer and configured to convert the frequency-translated first set of MR data into a set of digital data and a transmission line coupled to the first mixer and to the digitizer, the transmission line configured to transmit the frequency-translated first set of MR data from the MR coil element to the digitizer without a balun coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: The Larmor frequency for an in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tool is determined and used to acquire NMR data. An NMR tool is provided and placed in situ, for example, in a wellbore. An initial estimate of the Larmor frequency for the in situ NMR tool is made and NMR data are acquired using the in situ NMR tool. A spectral analysis is performed on the NMR data, or optionally, the NMR data are digitized and a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is performed on the digitized NMR data. The modal frequency of the spectral analysis or DFT is determined, and the Larmor frequency for the in situ NMR tool is determined using the modal frequency. The NMR tool is modified to transmit at the determined Larmor frequency and then used to acquire further NMR data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a gradient coil, a first cooling pipe, and a second cooling pipe. The gradient coil applies a gradient magnetic field onto a subject placed in a static magnetic field. The first cooling pipe is provided in the gradient coil, and circulates a coolant in a certain direction. The second cooling pipe is provided in the gradient coil so as to be in parallel with the first cooling pipe, and circulates a coolant in an opposite direction to a direction in which the first cooling pipe circulates the coolant.

Abstract: A four-ring birdcage coil having at least one moveable tuning ring for double resonance MRI includes low-pass configuration in both channels so that the HF mode only requires a small capacitance for resonance, enabling easy modification of a single resonance coil into a double resonance coil by incorporation of non-contact coupling rings whose capacitive coupling with the rungs generates enough capacitance to introduce the high-frequency resonance mode. The coil also includes at least one moving ring for broad range tuning in the HF channel. The LF channel is adjusted by a variable capacitor that is not directly connected to the coil, thus the frequency adjustment on each channel is independent. The HF channel is connected to the input cable by coupling capacitor. The LF channel is connected to the input cable by coupling inductor. This alternating driving scheme provides sufficient channel isolation and obviates the need for an external isolation network.

Abstract: A time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test structure of a semiconductor device includes: a first test cell having a first test pattern in which a dielectric layer is formed between two electrodes; a second test cell spaced apart from the first test cell and having a second test pattern in which a dielectric layer is formed between two electrodes; and a barrier region configured to prevent electrical interference from occurring between the first test cell and the second test cell during a TDDB test.

Abstract: For example, the present disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of a coil arrangement that can include, e.g., a plurality of elements which can be provided at an angle from one another. The angle can be selected to effectuate an imaging of a target region of interest at least one of a predetermined depth or range of depths, for example. In certain exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, the angle can be selected to effectuate an exemplary predetermined transmit efficiency for at least one of the elements. Additionally, the exemplary angle can be selected to effectuate a predetermined receive sensitivity for at least one of the elements. Further, according to certain exemplary embodiments of a coil arrangement in according to the present disclosure, the angle can be adjusted manually and/or automatically.

Abstract: Rather than using balanced transmission lines the stimulated response due to nuclear quadrupole resonance can be detected using a single monopole, with multiple monopoles improving substance detection.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention concerns the anisotropic diffusion phantom for the calibration of any diffusion MR-DTI imaging sequence and a method for the calibration of all the MRI scanners by using anisotropic diffusion models based on the “b” matrix, which is a quantity specific for every magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence and the MRI scanner used. It has application in the study of solids, amorphous materials, liquids and biological tissues. The anisotropic diffusion phantom for the calibration of any MR imaging sequence is any anisotropic diffusion model of any shape for the hydrogen H2 contained in H2O or LC, for example. The diffusion standard according to the invention is preferably a pipe with a bundle of capillaries filled with H2O, hydrogel or any other substance that contains hydrogen nuclei or any volume, preferably cylindrical, filled with H2O, hydrogel or any other substance that contains hydrogen nuclei or densely filled with non-magnetic cylindrical rods free of hydrogen nuclei.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an imaging unit configured to carry out magnetic resonance imaging of a patient using a transmitting QD coil which allows at least one of phase and amplitude of a radio-frequency transmit pulse on at least one input channel of the transmitting QD coil to be adjusted independently of each other, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the phase and the amplitude of the radio-frequency transmit pulse according to imaging conditions.

Abstract: A handheld device providing an internal view through an obscuring wall or other obscuring surfaces of hidden structural or facilities elements (such as wooden studs, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC), or the absence thereof. A continuous and homogeneous luminescent gas or other visual display material whose optical characteristics change as a result of the applied electric field is used both to simultaneously detect capacitance changes associated with hidden objects and to display those detected those objects. Different types of chambers are disclosed for the gas as well as means to prevent fringing effects. The gas is held just at its ionization level at which point it becomes optically visible. Circuitry is disclosed for controlling the energy source based on current draw or light output of the gas and feedback circuitry is disclosed to neutralize the effects of ambient light. Also disclosed is a device and method for the detection and mapping of electric fields.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance system, comprising at least one SQUID, configured to receive a radio frequency electromagnetic signal, in a circuit configured to produce a pulsatile output having a minimum pulse frequency of at least 1 GHz which is analyzed in a processor with respect to a timebase, to generate a digital signal representing magnetic resonance information. The processor may comprise at least one rapid single flux quantum circuit. The magnetic resonance information may be image information. A plurality of SQUIDs may be provided, fed by a plurality of antennas in a spatial array, to provide parallel data acquisition. A broadband excitation may be provided to address a range of voxels per excitation cycle. The processor may digitally compensate for magnetic field inhomogeneities.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided, which is capable of reducing SAR while maintaining S/N ratio and image contrast in a GrE-type pulse sequence, regardless of whether a synchronous imaging is performed or not. The present invention controls a flip angle as to each measurement set 409 that is obtained by division according to the size of phase encoding and a body motion cycle of a subject in the GrE-type pulse sequence. In a set 501 which measures echoes with phase encoding having a minimum absolute value, the flip angle is maximized as to the RF pulse having a minimum phase encoding amount and at least one RF pulse irradiated immediately before. As for the other RF pulses, the flip angle varies within a range less than the maximum, irrespective of the non-imaging mode, the imaging mode, or the size of phase encoding.

Abstract: A coil for use with a magnetic resonance (MR) system includes an outer loop having a first end and a second end formed from a conductive material for detecting MR signals oriented vertical to a plane of the coil. The outer loop has a plurality of capacitors therein including: (i) a first drive capacitor and a second drive capacitor of approximately equal value serially deployed within the outer loop at the first end of the outer loop with a junction node therebetween; and (ii) a third drive capacitor and a fourth drive capacitor serially deployed within the outer loop at the second end of the outer loop with a junction node therebetween. The coil also includes a first center conductor extending between and evenly bisecting the junction nodes of the outer loop and a second center conductor extending perpendicular to the first center conductor and evenly bisecting the outer loop.

Abstract: NMR spin echo signals are measured in a borehole during drilling. Signals measured in a plurality of regions of investigation with different depths of investigation in the borehole are processed to give a radial profile of formation properties, including a potential gas kick.

Abstract: In a method and a device to control the workflow of an MR measurement in a magnetic resonance system, a predetermined volume segment is subdivided into parallel slices with a predetermined slice interval and measured with a continuous table feed. Apart from a start phase and an end phase of the MR measurement, multiple slices of the examination subject are excited and read out in every repetition of the underlying basic sequence, and these multiple slices are located in an active volume inside the magnetic resonance system. The number of slices excited and read out per repetition of the underlying basic sequence is selected automatically depending in particular on the parameters determining an image contrast and an image resolution, and thus cannot be freely set by a user of the magnetic resonance system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance system includes a wireless local coil which functions as a transmit only or a transmit and receive coil. The local coil includes an RF coil with a plurality of coil elements. A corresponding number of transmit amplifiers apply RF signals to the RF coil elements to transmit an RF signal. A peak power supply provides electrical power to the transmit amplifiers to transmit relatively high power RF pulses. A trickle charging device recharges the peak power supply between RF pulses front a local coil power supply. A power transfer device wirelessly transfers power to a coil power supply recharging device which recharges the local coil power supply.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing, with a magnetic resonance (MR) system, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum that has been corrected for errors arising from phase offsets and time shifts in the acquired spectroscopic data. A spectroscopic data set includes temporal information indicative of the underlying phase offsets and time shifts. In general, this temporal information is utilized to correct for errors in the acquired data. As a result, a plurality of acquired spectroscopic data sets are more accurately combined by first individually correcting each spectroscopic data set for such errors. Exemplary sources of the phase offsets and time shifts include the physical separation between a volume of interest and the detectors in the MRI system. Using the temporal information, T2 decay in the produced spectrum is also corrected.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance system, comprising at least one SQUID, configured to receive a radio frequency electromagnetic signal, in a circuit configured to produce a pulsatile output having a minimum pulse frequency of at least 1 GHz which is analyzed in a processor with respect to a timebase, to generate a digital signal representing magnetic resonance information. The processor may comprise at least one rapid single flux quantum circuit. The magnetic resonance information may be image information. A plurality of SQUIDs may be provided, fed by a plurality of antennas in a spatial array, to provide parallel data acquisition. A broadband excitation may be provided to address a range of voxels per excitation cycle. The processor may digitally compensate for magnetic field inhomogeneities.