Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using ultra short echo times and spiral sampling in k-space are disclosed. A long inversion radio frequency (RF) pulse that inverts magnetization of long T2 components are applied to a sample that exhibits long transverse relaxation time (T2) components and short T2 components to minimize signals corresponding to the long T2 components. In addition, half RF excitation pulses are applied to the sample to select one or more echo times. Data corresponding to the selected one or more echo times are acquired using a spiral trajectory, and a first echo image is obtained based on the acquired data.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for imagining samples including components with small values of T2. Optionally, the systems and techniques may provide (for example) suppression of unwanted signals, enhanced contrast, and artifact control in imaging samples with small values of T2.