Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals are detected in microtesla fields. Prepolarization in millitesla fields is followed by detection with an untuned dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Because the sensitivity of the SQUID is frequency independent, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution are enhanced by detecting the NMR signal in extremely low magnetic fields, where the NMR lines become very narrow even for grossly inhomogeneous measurement fields. MRI in ultralow magnetic field is based on the NMR at ultralow fields. Gradient magnetic fields are applied, and images are constructed from the detected NMR signals.

Abstract: A method of 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) correlation spectroscopy, comprises a pulse sequence with the following steps: excitation of double quantum coherence; immediate reconversion to single transition single quantum coherence; evolution of the set of single transitions; mixing with zero quantum mixing Hamiltonian; and signal detection. The method can achieve an improved sensitivity, has a transition selectivity and suppresses diagonal peaks.

Abstract: In a method for image generation by magnetic resonance, a first MR raw data set is acquired with a first resolution in k-space, at least one further raw data set is acquired with a resolution in k-space that is reduced relative to that of the first raw data set, the acquired raw data sets are transferred into three-dimensional space for generation of image data the various image data are averaged for generation of an averaged image data set and the averaged image data set is displayed as an MR image.

Abstract: The various embodiments discloses a cantilever probe comprising a first electrode and a second electrode engaged to a substrate and a branched cantilever wherein the cantilever comprises a nanostruture. Furthermore, the probe comprises a first arm of the cantilever engaged to the first electrode and a second arm of the cantilever engaged to the second electrode. Additionally, the cantilever probe comprises an electrical circuit coupled to the cantilever wherein the electrical circuit is capable of measuring a change in piezoresistance of the cantilever resulting from an atomic force and/or a magnetic force applied to the cantilever. Additionally, the invention discloses a method of performing atomic force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, or magnetic resonance force microscopy. The nanostructures may comprise carbon or non-carbon materials. Additionally, the nanostructures may include nanotubes, nanowire, nanofibers and various other types of nanostructures.

Abstract: A method of providing shim sheets for adjusting a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device by passive shimming, comprises the steps of field mapping of a region of interest in the MR device for obtaining an uncorrected magnetic field distribution including field inhomogeneities, decomposing the field inhomogeneities into first and second order spherical harmonic functions, determining primary shim terms derived from the second order spherical harmonic functions, wherein the primary shim terms yield a passive shim field adapted to a targeted shim field, scaling optimized shim terms for increasing a similarity of the passive shim field with the targeted shim field, constructing modular shim sheets on the basis of the optimized shim terms, and mounting the modular shim sheets on a shim sheet carrier of the magnetic resonance device. Furthermore, an adjustment device for adjusting a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device by passive shimming is described.

Abstract: A method of collecting image data with selective spectral suppression for at least two species is provided. A sequence of RF excitation pulses is repeatedly applied, whereby a repeated sequence of at least two substantially different spectrally selective steady-state magnetizations is established. Magnetic gradients are applied between said RF pulses. A plurality of magnetic resonance image (MRI) signals is acquired. The plurality of MRI signals is combined using a weighted combination where the weights depend on a control parameter that adjusts a trade-off between selective spectral suppression and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Abstract: According to one aspect, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio-frequency (RF) coil of an NMR spectrometer includes oppositely-facing arches at opposite longitudinal ends of the coil window, along shielded regions of the coil. The arched coil shapes allow situating the transverse parts of the coil away from the interfaces between the sample measurement volume and coil shields while minimizing the additional coil length and thus coil inductance and capacitance needed to move the transverse conductors away from interfaces. Moving the transverse parts of the coil away from the measurement volume facilitates shimming. The coil may be lifted on a plurality of longitudinal support rods spaced around a circumference of the coil, in order to reduce the capacitance between the coil and associated shields.

Abstract: An NMR probe includes a coil former on which the resonant capacitance and/or tune and match capacitances are integrally implemented. Adjustable capacitances are realized in combination with a composite former including a slip glass for support of a capacitor plate. Particular advantages are realized in the context of cryostatic NMR probes.

Abstract: RF electric fields produced by electric potential differences in the NMR probe coil windings may penetrate the NMR sample and sample tube causing sensitivity loss and increased noise in NMR spectroscopy. Electrically conducting strips in close proximity to the windings of the NMR probe coil and oriented at right angles to direction of the coil winding they cross provide an alternative path for these electric fields while causing negligible effect upon the RF magnetic field, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the NMR probe.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for generation of a measurement sequence that can be executed with the hardware of the magnetic resonance apparatus, a measurement sequence is generated as a series of time slices of different time slice types, with the control signals for the magnetic resonance apparatus during each time slice being determined using parameters describing these time slices. After division of the measurement sequence into a number of time slices dependent on the sequence type and on a k-space sampling type, descriptive variables are associated with the time slices. Value ranges of the variables are limited and/or the variables are set in relation to one another using boundary conditions. A determination ensues of solution values of the variables with which a predetermined target parameter of the measurement sequence is optimized. A measurement sequence executable on the hardware is attained by association of the solution values with the corresponding parameters of the time slices.

Abstract: A low profile radio frequency coil (32, 44, 441, 442, 443) for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a low profile antenna (34, 102, 202, 302) that is configured to resonate at about a magnetic resonance frequency of the magnetic resonance imaging system. A generally planar inductor (110, 112, 210, 240, 310) is electrically connected or coupled with the low profile antenna. The generally planar inductor provides selected frequency filtering of a radio frequency signal received by or transmitted by the low profile antenna.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance elastography pulse sequences for encoding position and motion of spins, and methods of using the pulse sequences are disclosed. The pulse sequences utilize imaging gradients, comprising a positive lobe and a negative lobe having non-symmetric amplitudes, to encode harmonic or wave motion within a specimen, such as tissue.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance system and an operating method therefor, a number of independently operable radio frequency signal generator modules are provided or respectively connected to radio frequency coils. A control unit provides a synchronization signal to each of the radio frequency signal generator modules to selectively operate the modules to achieve different types of signal transmission. One of the radio frequency signal generator modules can serve as a master module, that receives the synchronization signal directly from the control unit, and supplies the synchronization signal to the other modules, functioning as slave modules.

Abstract: A method of reducing artifacts in steady-state free precession (SSFP) signals for use in magnetic resonance imaging is provided. A plurality of SSFP imaging sequences is applied to an object. An imaging data for each of the SSFP imaging sequences is acquired. The imaging data is combined using a weighted combination where weights depend on a control parameter that adjusts a trade-off between banding artifact reduction and signal to noise ratio (SNR).

Abstract: A method of magnetic resonance imaging is provided. The method includes the steps of applying a preparation pulse sequence to a subject (16) disposed in an examination region (14), acquiring k-space data related to a plurality of k-space trajectories through the center of k-space such as radial trajectories and reconstructing a first image form the k-space data wherein data within a region (210) around the center of k-space (205) of at least a first of the k-space trajectories is not used. Rather, data of only a limited number of views within said region is used for image reconstruction. Hence, image contrast is essentially determined by said limited number of views.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, low-temperature (cryogenic) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe fixed capacitors include thermally-conductive dielectric layers serving to thermally connect the capacitors to a cryogenic heat sink. For example, a sapphire layer may be metalized on opposite sides to form copper capacitor plates, and along an edge to form a copper heat sink contact. Heat generated by RF currents during an operation of an NMR circuit including such a capacitor is discharged through the thermally-conductive dielectric to the heat sink. Cooling cold-probe circuit components such as capacitors through thermally-conductive capacitor dielectrics allows reducing perturbations introduced into the circuit by components such as heat sinks.

Abstract: A dielectric element for positioning on an examination subject for locally influencing the B1 field distribution during magnetic resonance data acquisition contains a relaxation agent bound to mutually separated particles. The relaxation agent incorporates a paramagnetic substance. In a corresponding method for acquiring magnetic resonance data from an examination subject, such a dielectric element is positioned on the examination subject for locally influencing the B1 field distribution, by homogenizing the B1 field of a magnetic resonance apparatus.

Abstract: A method for acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) data from a dynamic object in which a k-space sampling schedule are produced. The k-space sampling table is produced using a spatio-temporal model of the beating heart, time sequential sampling theory and a known number of parallel receive channels (coils). The imaging pulse sequence is repeated to play out the phase encodings in the order listed in the k-space sampling schedule and the k-space data sets acquired through the parallel receive channels are combined and used to reconstruct a sequence of images. The method is an improved process for dynamic MRI, designed to overcome the limitations of current MRI systems in imaging dynamic phenomena and produces highly accurate motion movies of the structure, function, perfusion and viability of various anatomical regions in MRI subjects such as the beating heart, flow of contrast agents in blood vessels, brain excitation, or joint movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of phase correction whereby changes in phase characteristics are measured during data acquisition and, accordingly, phase correction parameters that are applied during image reconstruction are updated in real-time. This adaptive and dynamic phase correction reduces variability in image fidelity during the course of long MR scans, such as EPI scans, and provides consistent artifact reduction during the course of an MR scan.

Abstract: An induction logging tool having concentric transmitter and receiver antennas can be used to make measurements of earth formations at frequencies up to 500 MHz. The antennas may be mounted on the mandrel of a bottomhole assembly for MWD applications, or may be pad mounted for wireline applications. Litz winding is used in the coils to minimize eddy current losses. The antennas may be formed on a flexible circuit board.