Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system is configured to detect chemical threat material. The system comprises a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field of about 300 millitesla or less; and a probe configured to detect nuclear relaxation of at least two nuclei selected from the group consisting of 1H, 19F, 31P and 14N, and detect the spin density of nuclei selected from the group consisting of 1H, 19F, 31P and 14N, following excitation.

Abstract: A self-decoupled RF coil and method for adjusting the same is disclosed. The RF coil is an array of elements including at least one loop. Electromagnetic coupling between elements in the array causes an induced current in the at least one loop. The induced current has two modes. A reactance inserted in the at least one loop balances the two modes. The balanced current modes cancel. This cancelation results in self-decoupling of at the least one loop from the other elements in the RF coil array.

Abstract: A system for analyzing brain tissue components based on magnetic resonance image. The system includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores instructions. The processor accesses and executes the instructions to perform the following: extracting maps of tissue from a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) corresponding to normal subjects; averaging the maps of tissue according to a number of the normal subjects to generate reference maps that correspond to different tissues; receiving a brain MRI sample having a targeted region; and analyzing the brain MRI sample based on the reference maps and the targeted region to generate an analysis result, in which the analysis result indicates a ratio of tissues in the targeted region of the brain MRI sample.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and a method for operation thereof, at least one electrical operating value of at least one predetermined component of the apparatus is captured and, as a function of the at least one operating value, at least one coil operating value of a transmitting coil arrangement of the magnetic resonance apparatus is controlled for the purpose of limiting a B1 value.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile and expandable firmware-based optical spectroscopy system and a method for controlling same. The optical spectroscopy system may comprise: a wearing part attached to a particular region of a subject to irradiate light, on the basis of a firmware, to the particular region and measure the bodily signals of the subject by collecting emergent light which has passed through the particular region; and a monitoring unit, connected to the wearing part via a wired or wireless network, for controlling the strength of the light irradiated from the wearing part.

Abstract: In an RF power calculation apparatus and method for an MRI system, a first power calculation processor calculates a first power of an RF signal received by a first receiving method, a second power calculation processor calculates a second power of the RF signal received by a second receiving method, a difference calculation processor calculates the difference between the first power and second power, an RF power calculation processor calculates an RF power of the RF signal on the basis of the first power and second power when the difference is smaller than a first threshold.

Abstract: Image processing methods and systems apply filtering operations to images, wherein the filtering operations use filter costs which are based on image gradients in the images. In this way, image data is filtered for image regions in dependence upon the image gradients for the image regions. This may be useful for different scenarios such as when combining images to form a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image. The filtering operations may be used as part of a connectivity unit which determines connected image regions, and/or the filtering operations may be used as part of a blending unit which blends two or more images together to form a blended image.

Abstract: Full-cycle rapid scan (RS) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) can be performed without the instability of prior art methods and with a higher scan rate than traditional half-scan methods. In particular, a full scan is performed, but the constant RF driving B-field can be mathematically represented as two step functions, each corresponding to one half of a full scan cycle. This mathematical representation can be carried through the deconvolution such that two deconvolutions, one for the up cycle and one for the down cycle, can be performed. The solutions to these two deconvolutions can then be summed to give a single spectrum having a higher signal-to-noise ratio than half-cycle RS scans.

Abstract: Pulse sequences for an MRI apparatus can provide improved quantitative relaxometry in liver and other tissues. Relaxation parameters such as T1rho or T2 (or both at once) can be measured. The pulse sequence can include a magnetization preparation pulse sequence and an acquisition pulse sequence including a fast spin echo (FSE) pulse sequence. Flip angles and echo time for the FSE pulse sequence can be chosen to optimize image quality without affecting the quantification of a relaxation parameter. Additional pulse sequences, e.g., for enhanced blood suppression and/or fat suppression can be incorporated. The acquisition pulse sequence can have a duration that allows data for a single slice image to be acquired during a breath-hold.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system and circuit for measuring characteristics of a material under test (MUT). In some cases, the system includes a circuit having level detectors to measure the change in strength between a reference signal and a return signal passed through the MUT. The system can include a computing device to evaluate the measured signals and adjust those signals within range of the level detectors and other circuit components. Circuits can include a time-of-flight digital convertor for determining the phase shift between the reference and return signals that pass through the MUT. The measured difference in signal strength and phase can be used to compute the complex impedance or dielectric properties of the MUT. This impedance or dielectric property can be correlated with a physical property of the MUT. The system may be operated at a single frequency, or over a range of frequencies.

Abstract: A particle-beam control electromagnet capable of shortening a transportation path of a particle beam and an irradiation treatment apparatus which contributes to miniaturization and weight reduction of the rotating gantry supporting this control electromagnet are provided. The electromagnet includes a first superconducting coil group, a second superconducting coil group, and a vacuum vessel. The first superconducting coil group forms at least one of a bending magnetic field and a focus/defocus magnetic field. The second superconducting coil group is placed around the trajectory of the particle beam at the end of the first superconducting coil group and forms correction magnetic fields for correcting the trajectory of the particle beam. The vacuum vessel hermetically houses the first superconducting coil group, the second superconducting coil group, and a cooling medium, and insulates from the outside air.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a chemical species within a substance using nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) are described herein. One method includes applying a number of NQR perturbation-detection pulse sequences to the substance. Each perturbation-detection pulse sequence includes a perturbation segment applied at a perturbation frequency and a detection segment applied at a second different frequency. As the sequences are applied, the perturbation frequency, the second frequency, or both are varied for each pulse sequence. The method also includes applying a number of NQR reference pulse sequences to the substance at a reference frequency. The reference frequency is varied for each pulse sequence. A chemical species is identified within the substance by comparing (i) a set of NQR signals generated by the perturbation-detection pulse sequences with (ii) a reference set of NQR signals generated by the reference pulse sequences.

Abstract: Positive contrast localization of magnetic (e.g. superparamagnetic) particles in vivo or in vitro by means of SWIFT-MRI using the imaginary component of MR image data in combination with an anatomic reference image derived from the real or magnitude component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foreign object detector to detect a foreign object while distinguishing metal from water. The foreign object detector includes a detection coil; a transmitting circuit generating RF power of a predetermined frequency; a directional coupler outputting the RF power supplied from the transmitting circuit to the detection coil, and extracting reflected power that is a power component reflected by the detection coil; and a detection circuit receiving the reflected power extracted by the directional coupler, and detecting the foreign object by sensing a change in the frequency characteristic of the reflected power.

Abstract: Positive contrast localization of magnetic (e.g. superparamagnetic) particles in vivo or in vitro by means of SWIFT-MRI using the imaginary component of MR image data in combination with an anatomic reference image derived from the real or magnitude component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of performing a quantitative and/or qualitative determination of catalytic fines in fuel oil and a system suitable for determining catalytic fines in an oil using the method. The method comprises determining aluminum using NMR and quantitatively and/or qualitatively determining the catalytic fines based on the aluminum determination. The system comprises a NMR spectrometer, a digital memory storing a calibration map comprising calibrating data for calibrating NMR spectra obtained by the NMR spectrometer and a computer programmed to analyze the NMR spectra obtained by the NMR spectrometer using calibration map and performing at least one quantitative and/or qualitative catalytic fines determination.

Abstract: An NMR sample tube is offered which can be spun at high speed stably. The NMR sample tube is adapted for use in solid-state NMR spectroscopy and includes a tubular member, spacers, and cover bodies. The spacers are disposed inside the tubular member. Each spacer has first and second surfaces located on opposite sides. The first surfaces of the spacers define a space filled up with a sample. The tubular member has openings which are closed off by the cover bodies.

Abstract: A method of collecting magnetic resonance data for imaging an object with a predetermined spin density being arranged in a static magnetic field, comprises the steps subjecting said object to at least one radiofrequency pulse and magnetic field gradients for creating spatially encoded magnetic resonance signals, including at least two settings of spatially encoding phase-contrast gradients differently encoding the phase of said magnetic resonance signals in at least one field of view in a predetermined spatial dimension, acquiring at least two magnetic resonance signals, each with one of said at least two settings of different spatially encoding phase-contrast gradients, and determining at least one mean spin density position of said object along said spatial dimension by calculating the phase difference between said signals. Furthermore, a control device and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device implementing the method are described.

Abstract: A transmitting device for driving a high-frequency antenna of a magnetic-resonance device using a target signal capable of being amplitude-modulated is provided. A number N of similarly embodied amplifier modules, where N is at least two, a signal-conditioning device, and a combining device for combining output signals of the amplifier modules into the target signal are provided. The signal-conditioning device generates N drive signals having a predetermined pulse frequency that consist of pulses having a length dependent on a desired target amplitude and having a phase corresponding to the desired target phase and a frequency corresponding to the desired target frequency. The pulses of the individual drive signals are mutually offset in time by, in each case, 1/N of a pulse period corresponding to the pulse frequency. Each drive signal is fed to an amplifier module.

Abstract: Provided is a cryoprobe using a closed gas loop for a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, including: superconducting magnets providing a magnetic field; a rotor rotatably disposed between the superconducting magnets in the state of a sample being put therein, the rotor being rotated by a driving gas; a coil configured to generate a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum according to a resonance phenomenon of the sample by applying a radio frequency to the rotor; and a gas loop configured to cool the driving gas in a cryogenic condition while circulating it in a closed-loop condition and to supply the driving gas to the rotor, wherein the gas loop supplies the driving gas to the rotor while cooling it in a cryogenic condition, thereby rotating the rotor.

Abstract: A system includes a driving module, a processor, and a readout module. The driving module is configured to apply a perturbation to a sample. The processor is configured to define a plurality of different rotating frames relative to the perturbation, wherein each frame has a corresponding fictitious field. The readout module is coupled to the processor and is configured to generate an output based on relaxation of the sample as a function of the perturbation.

Abstract: A magnetic immunoassay system with a mechanism for compensating the direct current residual magnetic field in the vicinity of the specimen measurement position, in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic marker direction of magnetization for the measurement target. This invention reduces the effects of the magnetic field emitted from the unbound magnetic marker due to the residual magnetic field in the specimen solution and detects with high sensitivity the signal of the bound target magnetic marker. The magnetic field at the measurement position is regulated so as to intersect the direction of magnetization of the magnetic marker for the measurement target, in order to make the magnetization direction of the magnetic marker that is unbound due to residual magnetism or remanence in the sample solution, intersect the magnetization direction of the magnetic marker for the measurement target.

Abstract: System and methods for detecting substances such as explosives via the nuclear quadrupole resonance effect. We observe that the nuclear quadrupole resonances of explosives located within a cavity portal involve continuous Rabi transitions which are nonlinear processes since stimulated emission occurs. In other words, where there are no resonances caused by the presence of an explosive, high average power and low average power measurements should be identical. However, when resonances are stimulated by the system, the difference between these two conditions can be compared to determine a correction to measurements made when a person located in the cavity has explosive material on their person, without the need for separate empty portal or elaborate calibration procedures.

Abstract: Detection and recognition of taggant substances having predefined zero external field magnetic resonance signatures. An object comprising taggant substance(s) is irradiated with a sequence of specific excitation pulses of electromagnetic radiation within a predetermined time and frequency scanning pattern, responsive nuclear spin echo signals are received from the object with a predetermined time and frequency acquisition pattern and data indicative thereof is generated. The scanning and acquisition patterns used permit successive transmission of pulses of multiple frequencies using a two-pulse spin-echo excitation technique, or a steady state-spin echo excitation technique, and successive acquisition of multiple nuclear spin echo response signals, within a time slot between two successive excitation pulses of a specific excitation frequency.

Abstract: Methods for the determination of the molecular structures of compounds are disclosed, the methods comprising obtaining NMR spectroscopic measurements of compounds, determining internuclear distances from the NMR measurements, and inputting the distances to an algorithm to determine probable structures. Optionally, constraints may be added and the algorithm repeated. Usually, the methods do not require comparisons to databases of spectra during the generation of possible structures.

Abstract: An NMR imaging system comprising a transceiver module configured to couple with a magnetic resonance transmitter coil, where the transceiver module includes a first transmitter channel and a pulse programmer configured to control the transceiver module, the transceiver module generating a precession and nutation for observing rotation at multiple intervals about the carrier (“PANORAMIC”) waveform, the PANORAMIC waveform configured to produce nuclear polarization. The PANORAMIC waveform may a single-banded PANORAMIC waveform or a multiple-banded PANORAMIC waveform. A method of NMR spectroscopy or imaging, the method comprising: determining for a nuclear spin rotation at least one frequency interval and at least one corresponding phase; creating a PANORAMIC waveform for the at least one frequency interval and the at least one corresponding phase; and applying the PANORAMIC waveform from an amplifier output to a probe input.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for compensating for motion of a subject during an MRI scan of the subject. k-space data may be received from the MRI scan of the subject. Motion information may be received for the subject. Based on the received motion information, a translational motion of the subject may be determined between a first point in time and a second point in time. A search space for motion correction may be reduced using the determined change and an error margin of the capturing technique. A motion-compensated, graphical image of the subject may be generated using the reduced search space.

Abstract: In a method and a magnetic resonance apparatus for determining k-space positions for modeling RF pulses for exciting nuclear spins in a magnetic resonance sequence, a target magnetization is selected and a deviation thereof from a current achievable magnetization is determined. At least one maximum is localized in a spectrum of the deviation in k-space, and the k-space position of the localized maximum is stored, from which current pulse coefficients are determined that cause an optimal current magnetization to be achieved. This procedure is repeated until a termination criterion is satisfied, with the current pulse coefficients determined in this terminating repetition being used to generate an RF pulse to excite nuclear spins in a subject in the magnetic resonance sequence.

Abstract: In multi-echo multi-contrast imaging, the image quality is improved by suppressing an increase in imaging time. In order to do so, the arrangement order of echo signals that form an echo train and k space filled with each echo signal are determined such that the continuity of the echo arrangement is maintained while sharing an echo signal between contrasts in multi-echo multi-contrast imaging. Echo trains that perform echo sharing are arranged in non-oscillatory centric view ordering (NOCO). In addition, the starting point of echo sharing of one echo train is connected to the same position of another echo train. When some discontinuous regions are present, the discontinuous regions may be corrected using continuous data of regions symmetrical thereto on the k space.

Abstract: Methods and systems in a parallel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system utilize sensitivity-encoded MRI data acquired from multiple receiver coils together with spatially dependent receiver coil sensitivities to generate MRI images. The acquired MRI data forms a reduced MRI data set that is undersampled in at least a phase-encoding direction in a frequency domain. The acquired MRI data and auto-calibration signal data are used to determine reconstruction coefficients for each receiver coil using a weighted or a robust least squares method. The reconstruction coefficients vary spatially with respect to at least the spatial coordinate that is orthogonal to the undersampled, phase-encoding direction(s) (e.g., a frequency encoding direction).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing blurring artifacts in multi-spectral MR imaging near metal include an MRI system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet and an RF transceiver system and an RF switch controlled by a pulse module to transmit RF signals to an RF coil assembly to acquire MR images. A computer is also included and programmed to acquire a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) MR data sets, each 3D MR data set acquired using a central transmit frequency and a central receive frequency set to an offset frequency value that is distinct for each 3D MR data set. The computer is also programmed to reconstruct a subimage for each of the plurality of 3D data sets, apply a de-blurring correction to each of the subimages, and generate a composite image based on the plurality of 3D MR data sets.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprises a plurality of cylindrical electromagnetic coils arranged in a coaxial configuration around a sample region. The coils are used to capture resonance signals from a sample at different times according to a geometric echo effect. The measurements can then be combined to produce an MRI signal.

Abstract: This method of adaptive signal averaging is used to enhance the signal to noise ratio of magnetic resonance and other analytical measurements which involve repeatable signals partially or completely obscured by noise in a single measurement at a rate much faster than that observed with conventional signal averaging. This technique expedites the signal averaging process because it filters each individual scan in real time with an adaptive algorithm and then averages them separately to provide an averaged filtered signal with less noise. This technique is particularly useful for any type of continuous wave magnetic resonance experiment or any other noisy measurement where signal averaging is utilized.

Abstract: A method for RARE magnetic resonance imaging comprising slice selective excitation of two or more slices and of one or more nuclei, followed by refocusing of these slices and application of gradient pulses which cause a division of the signal into spin echoes and stimulated echoes, is characterized by application of refocusing slice selective RF pulses, which are placed to fulfill the echo-spacing CPMG condition for each slice and by arrangement of gradient pulses which cause the phase accumulated by spins in each slice between two consecutive refocusing RF pulses corresponding to that slice to be equal, thus fulfilling the CPMG phase accumulation condition. Thereby, the obtainable signal can be increased and stabilized.

Abstract: A method for performing magnetic resonance diffusion imaging, comprising: (a) acquiring a sequence of magnetic resonance images of a target body (BS) using diffusion-encoding gradient pulses applied along a set of non-collinear orientations ( ) sampling a three-dimensional orientation space (AR); (b) estimating, from said sequence of images, a set of space- and orientation-dependent parameters representative of molecular diffusion within said target body; wherein said step of estimating a set of space- and orientation-dependent parameters representative of molecular diffusion within said target body is performed in real time by means of an incremental estimator such as a Kalman filter fed by data provided by said magnetic resonance images; characterized in that said three-dimensional orientation space (AR) selectively excludes a set of orientations (FR) for which magnetic resonance signal intensity is attenuated by diffusion below a threshold level.

Abstract: Optimized transmission system for an MRT is achieved by a device and a method to generate transmission signals (29) via multiple transmission units of a transmission system for a magnetic resonance tomography system, wherein transmission data are respectively received from the transmission units via a transmission data input, received transmission data are stored in transmission data memory elements of the transmission units, transmission signals representing stored transmission data are generated with transmission data (stored in transmission data memory elements) by transmission signal transmission units of the transmission units, and the generation of transmission signals proceeds simultaneously via the transmission signal transmission units.

Abstract: It is proposed herein to improve the specifications of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) by integrating it in a chip. In order to cover a range of operating frequencies using a single chip, the integrated-circuit amplifier proposed herein comprises an input port configured to receive a magnetic resonance (MR) signal from a radio-frequency (RF) coil, one or more LNAs configured to amplify the received MR signal, and an output port configured to output the amplified MR signal from the one or more LNAs. The operating frequency of the RF coil depends on the field strength. The matching circuit, if present, needs to be tuned to operate at the operating frequency of the RF coil, and depends on the component values in the loop, thus on loop size. In contrast, the proposed integrated-circuit amplifier is capable of directly connecting to RF coils with different loop sizes, without the need for a matching circuit.

Abstract: A system for fat signal suppression in MR imaging comprises an RF signal generator for generating RF pulses in an MR pulse sequence using one or more RF pulses for echo signal formation including, an RF excitation pulse and an RF refocusing pulse subsequent to said RF excitation pulse. A magnetic field slice select gradient generator generates first and second different slice select magnetic field gradients for corresponding use with the RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse, respectively, the first and second different slice select magnetic field gradients having substantially different amplitudes. An MR imaging control unit directs acquisition of MR imaging data having fat signal substantially suppressed using the generated RF pulses and different slice select magnetic field gradients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the MRT representation of a blood vessel (A) and/or of the territory supplied by the blood vessel (A) by labeling the blood, which is guided by this blood vessel (A), by means of continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL), in a specified labeling plane (E). The position of the labeling plan (E) is varied with the provision that a specified location of the blood vessel (A) remains in the labeling plane (E). This enables, for example, a selective labeling of a blood vessel of interest to be saturated by varying the position of the labeling plane.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-spectral MR imaging near metal include a computer programmed to calculate an MR pulse sequence comprising a plurality of RF pulses configured to excite spins in an imaging object and comprising a plurality of volume selection gradients and determine a plurality of distinct offset frequency values. For each respective determined offset frequency value, the computer is programmed to execute the MR pulse sequence having a central transmit frequency and a central receive frequency of the MR pulse sequence set to the respective determined offset frequency value. The computer is also programmed to acquire a three-dimensional (3D) MR data set for each MR pulse sequence execution and generate a composite image based on data from each of the acquired 3D MR data sets.

Abstract: An electron paramagnetic resonance imaging system that includes means for continuously irradiating a sample with RF irradiation; means for imposing on the sample a sinusoidally varying magnetic field along with rotating gradients for spatial encoding; means for directly detecting signal data from the sample, without using field modulation, while irradiating the sample with RF radiation continuously, the means for directly detecting having means for sweeping the sinusoidally varying magnetic field; and means for processing the signal data, using means including a digital signal processor.

Abstract: A method for determining the spatial distribution of the magnitude of the radio frequency transmission field B1 in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein the method comprises performing an MRI experiment in which a B1-sensitive complex image (SI) of a sample is obtained, wherein the phase distribution within the B1-sensitive complex image (SI) depends on the spatial distribution of the magnitude of the field B1. For establishing the dependency of the phase distribution within the B1-sensitive complex image (SI) on the spatial distribution of the field B1, one or more adiabatic RF pulses are applied. The method provides a simple procedure for mapping the B1 field of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with an improved accuracy and a wider measurement range.

Abstract: Structural health monitoring using nuclear quadrupole resonance is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method of monitoring stress is provided. The method includes scanning a composite using an NQR spectrometer, the composite having a polymer matrix and a microcrystalline material disposed in the matrix. The microcrystalline material includes molecules having nuclei with respective nuclear quadrupole moments. The method also includes determining microscopic strain distribution indices of the composite from the NQR scans to quantify stress and identify precursors to failure in the composite.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with robust GRAPPA (GeneRalized Auto-calibrating Partially Parallel Acquisitions) are described. One method embodiment includes acquiring k-space data from a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus having multiple coils and creating a set of over determined linear equations based on auto calibration signal (ACS) lines in the k-space data. The method embodiment includes calculating coil coefficients based on the set of ACS lines and then selectively manipulating a weight associated with an outlying data point to reduce the effect of the outlying data. The method embodiment includes calculating values for missing k-space data points, establishing a full k-space data set, and producing an image from the full k-space data set.

Abstract: An MRI apparatus capable of performing a high-speed operation for removing aliasing from the data measured by non-Cartesian imaging in a real space with a small amount of operation is provided. Non-Cartesian data sampling is performed by thinning the number of data by using multiple receiver coils having different sensitivity distribution from each other. Image reconstruction means creates orthogonal data by gridding non-orthogonal data obtained by each receiver coil on a grid having an equal spatial resolution to and a narrower field of view than a target image, subjects it to Fourier transform and creates the first image data containing aliasing components. The second image data is created by using the first image data created for each receiver coil and a sensitivity distribution of each receiver coil.

Abstract: Structural health monitoring using nuclear quadrupole resonance is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method of monitoring stress is provided. The method includes scanning a composite using an NQR spectrometer, the composite having a polymer matrix and a microcrystalline material disposed in the matrix. The microcrystalline material includes molecules having nuclei with respective nuclear quadrupole moments. The method also includes determining microscopic strain distribution indices of the composite from the NQR scans to quantify stress and identify precursors to failure in the composite.

Abstract: A method of identifying and imaging a high risk collision object relative to a host vehicle includes arranging a plurality of N sensors for imaging a three-hundred and sixty degree horizontal field of view (hFOV) around the host vehicle. The sensors are mounted to a vehicle in a circular arrangement so that the sensors are radially equiangular from each other. For each sensor, contrast differences in the hFOV are used to identify a unique source of motion (hot spot) that is indicative of a remote object in the sensor hFOV. A first hot spot in one sensor hFOV is correlated to a second hot spot in another hFOV of at least one other N sensor to yield range, azimuth and trajectory data for said object. The processor then assesses a collision risk with the object according to the object's trajectory data relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: A method comprises: performing a number of B i field mapping sequences (24) using a set of radio frequency transmit coils (11) to acquire a B1 field mapping data set wherein said number is less than a number of radio frequency transmit coils in the set of radio frequency transmit coils; and determining coil sensitivities (30) for the set of radio frequency transmit coils based on the acquired B1 field mapping data set. In some embodiments, the performed B1 field mapping sequences are defined by (i) performing a linear transform (40) on the set of radio frequency transmit coils to generate a set of orthogonal virtual radio frequency transmit coils (42) and (ii) selecting (44) a sub-set (46) of the set of orthogonal virtual radio frequency transmit coils that define the performed B1 field mapping sequences.

Abstract: A method for MR spectroscopy includes the steps of (a) switching at least one phase coding gradient for spatial coding of a spectral information to be detected, and (b) detection of the spectral information, and repeating (a) and (b) until a predetermined raw data space has been scanned. Specific spectral information is detected in (b) when the at least one phase coding gradient respectively has a value of 0. This specific spectral information is evaluated in order to determine a property of the spectral information already detected in (b), or still to be detected in (b).

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a spectrum acquisition unit and a determining unit. The spectrum acquisition unit acquires a frequency spectrum of magnetic resonance signals from a metabolic product in a target region in an object. The determining unit determines the number of (a) integrations and/or (b) phase encodes of magnetic resonance signals for obtaining the frequency spectrum depending on a factor influencing the frequency spectrum.