Abstract: A medical NMR scanner having a primary field magnet assembly is disclosed. The scanner includes a ferromagnetic frame defining a patient-receiving space adapted to receive a human body. It also includes a pair of opposed polar regions aligned on a polar axis. The polar regions are disposed on opposite sides of the patient-receiving space. Structure including either electrical windings or a permanent magnet is provided in each of the polar regions for producing a magnetic field within the patient-receiving space. Windings positioned in proximity to each of the polar regions are provided for producing gradients in the magnetic field, when energized. A layer of an electrically resistive but magnetically permeable material such as a ferrite, a sintered metal or a metal containing composite, is positioned in each of the polar regions for limiting eddy current generation in the polar regions when the gradient producing auxiliary coils are energized.

Abstract: A medical nuclear magnetic resonance system is provided with a primary field magnet assembly having a ferromagnetic frame. The system resists field variations caused by coil movement and confines the field within the frame.