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Magnetic Resonance Microscopy
Dwight
Nishimura , Electrical Eng.
Gerald Berry, Pathology
Calvin Quate, Electrical Eng.
Bob
Hu, Medicine
Greg Kovacs, Electrical Eng.
The aim of this project is to develop a microscopy
system based on magnetic resonance (MR) technology.
The primary challenge concerns the design of hardware
(linear field gradients and receiver coils) capable
of providing sufficient spatial resolution and
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Whereas most MR microscopy
systems employ magnets up to 10 T for improved
SNR, we are investigating techniques that may
enable such imaging with lower-field magnets.
At lower field, resolution loss due to vibration
and field distortion is easier to control. However,
to achieve sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR),
a higher sensitivity receiver is necessary. Thus
far, we have conducted several studies focused
on fundamental SNR limits. We have also investigated
new hardware designs, including a cryogenic receiver
coil suitable for operation with a small sample
at room temperature. |
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