Abstract: The invention provides a method of proton-electron double-resonance magnetic resonance imaging in which a sample containing paramagnetic material is subjected to a polarizing magnetic field during a polarization period, a subsequent evolution period and thereafter a detection period, and the sample is subjected during the evolution period to radio-frequency radiation, at a frequency appropriate to the polarizing magnetic field then appertaining, so as to excite EPR resonance in the paramagnetic material, wherein during the detection period the sample is subjected to a series of NMR interrogating signals to derive therefrom a corresponding series of NMR image signals for combination in a complete NMR image.

Abstract: An image of the distribution of the molecules of a paramagnetic substance in solution obtained by exciting EPR resonance in the solute and obtaining an NMR image of selected nuclei (e.g. protons) in the solvent.

Abstract: To produce image information from an object it is subjected to a continuous static magnetic field along a Z axis and to sets of sequences of orthogonal gradients G.sub.x, G.sub.y and G.sub.z to the magnetic field. Spins in a selected plane (the X-Z plane) are excited by selective rf pulses and an associated G.sub.y gradient and the selected spins are subjected to all three gradients of which the G.sub.z gradient provides twist or warp to each column of spins extending along the Z axis to phase-encode the columns. The spin-echo signals are read out in the presence of a G.sub.x gradient. In each set of sequences a different value of Z gradient is employed. The Fourier transformed spin-echo signals obtained from each sequence, when arranged in order of increasing G.sub.z gradient and subjected to a second Fourier transform represent the distribution of spin density in the Z direction, thus giving a two-dimensional image of the selected X-Z plane.

Abstract: A magnetic coil, especially for use as an r.f. transmit/receive coil in NMR apparatus, comprises a continuous closed conductive loop would round a former 1. A pair of external terminals 2 and 3 both lie in a plane 4 constituting a plane of symmetry and the coil is would so that there is mirror symmetry about this plane. There are two electrically parallel paths between terminals 2 and 3 each restricted to one side of the plane of symmetry 4 and the resultant magnetic field when a potential difference is applied between terminals 2 and 3 is such that equal magnetic fields are produced on both sides of the plane of symmetry 4.

Abstract: A set of NMR free induction signals generated in nuclei in a sample are recorded in the presence of a magnetic field gradient to a static magnetic field in which the sample is positioned. Prior to recording a magnetic field gradient orthogonal to the said gradient is applied to phase-encode the signals. The individual signals of a set are differentiated by being recorded after different time integrals of the phase encoding gradient. The magnitudes of successive time integrals have a non-monotonic relationship with each other so that sufficient signal data is recorded to enable the Fourier transform operation to commence before half or less of the set of signals has been recorded. Preferably the relationship between the magnitudes of successive time integrals corresponds to a numerical sequence represented by a monotonic sequence of binary numbers re-arranged in bit-reversed order.

Abstract: An ultrasound unit for the clinical application of hyperthermia to tumor cells in soft tissue. The ultrasound hyperthermic unit includes in one aspect an array of sonic transducers (1) radially disposed about an axis and angled to direct sonic energy (12) towards said axis at a point remote from said array, each transducer being adapted for angular movement relative to the other transducers thereby to allow adjustment of the shape of the acoustic focus. The array is computer controlled both with regard to acoustic focus and with regard to the energy imparted by each member of the array, said control being mediated by temperatures sensing means (40) adjacent a tumor. This ultrasound unit may be associated with a heat treatment tank (51, 31) including a flexible membrane (32, 52) which may overlie a tumor, thereby to locally raise the temperature and reduce the amount of ultrasonic power required to achieve a desired temperature.

Abstract: A method of deriving three dimensional image information from an object using nuclear magnetic resonance signals is described. The method comprises subjecting the object to a continuous, static magnetic field and carrying out the following set of sequential steps.1. Exciting nuclear spins in a volume;2. applying non-aligned first, second and third gradients of the magnetic field;3. causing the spins to rephase periodically in the presence of the first gradient;4. phase encoding the spins in the direction of the second gradient prior to every read-out of the rephased FIS from the object;and then successively repeating the above set of steps with different values of gradient of the third gradient (G.sub.z.sup.(2)), there being a recovery interval between the repetition of successive sets of steps.

Abstract: To produce image information from an object it is subjected to a continuous static magnetic field along a Z axis to sets of sequences of orthogonal gradients G.sub.x, G.sub.y and G.sub.z to the magnetic field. Spins in a selected plane (the X-Z plane) are excited by selective rf pulses and an associated G.sub.y gradient and the selected spins are subjected to all three gradients of which the G.sub.z gradient provides twist or warp to each column of spins extending along the Z axis to phase-encode the columns. The spin-echo signals are read out in the presence of a G.sub.x gradient. In each set of sequences a different value of Z gradient is employed. The Fourier transformed spin-echo signals obtained from each sequence, when arranged in order of increasing G.sub.z gradient and subjected to a second Fourier transform represent the distribution of spin density in the Z direction, thus giving a two-dimensional image of the selected X-Z plane.

Abstract: To produce image information from an object it is subjected to a continuous static magnetic field along a Z axis and to sets of sequences of orthogonal gradients G.sub.x, G.sub.y and G.sub.z to the magnetic field. Spins in a selected plane (the X-Z plane) are excited by selective rf pulses and an associated G.sub.y gradient and the selected spins are subjected to all three gradients of which the G.sub.z gradient provides twist or warp to each column of spins extending along the Z axis to phase-encode the columns. The spin-echo signals are read out in the presence of a G.sub.x gradient. In each set of sequences a different value of Z gradient is employed. The Fourier transformed spin-echo signals obtained from each sequence, when arranged in order of increasing G.sub.z gradient and subjected to a second Fourier transform represent the distribution of spin density in the Z direction, thus giving a two-dimensional image of the selected X-Z plane.

Abstract: To produce image information from an object it is subjected to a continuous static magnetic field along a Z axis and to sets of sequences of gradient G.sub.x, G.sub.y and G.sub.z to the magnetic field. Spins in a selected plane (the X-Z plane) are excited by selective rf pulses and an associated G.sub.y gradient and the selected spins are subjected to a reversed G.sub.y gradient together with a G.sub.x gradient. The G.sub.y gradient is then switched off and the direction of the G.sub.x gradient is then repeatedly reversed. During the action of reversal of the G.sub.x gradient a small G.sub.z gradient is provided. Each reversed G.sub.x gradient is held constant for a sufficient time for a free induction decay signal to be generated thus providing a multiple echo of the spins in the selected plane. Alternate signals are time-reversed and then both the time-reversed and non time-reversed signals are subject to Fourier transformation.

Abstract: A coil is constructed such as that required in NMR imaging apparatus and in some NMR analytical applications, gradients can be established on selected axes within a uniform magnetic field. The windings of the coil also constitute an electrostatic screen which isolates the high-frequency coupling coil from the sample. The coil comprises a pair of similar quadrupole windings uniformly interpolated on the circumference of a cylindrical surface which encloses the sample volume. The winding of each pole includes conductors lying longitudinally on the cylindrical surface and distributed symmetrically over a quadrant of the circumference, the number of conductors per radian being proportional to cos 2.theta. where .theta. is the displacement from the center of the quadrant. Adjacent pole windings belonging to different quadrupoles thus overlap and the winding density is chosen so that the outer conductors of the two windings can be interlaid to form an effectively continuous electrostatic screen.

Abstract: A method of deriving image formation from an object using nuclear magnetic resonance signals comprises the steps of subjecting an object to a static magnetic field along one axis, applying a first gradient to said magnetic field which varies in a direction orthogonal to said axis together with a 90.degree. high frequency pulse, reversing the direction of said magnetic field gradient and simultaneously applying a gradient to said magnetic field which varies in a direction parallel to said one axis and then reversing the direction of said last-mentioned gradient and reading out the free induction signal from said object.