Synopsis

This talk will consider the basic sources of contrast in MRI and the contrast mechanisms. It will also consider how yo can calculate the dependency of MRI signal on relaxation times and how you can design sequences with different sensitivities to relaxation times.

• The primary sources of contrast in MRI
• The fundamental relaxation mechanisms
• How to use the Bloch equations to predict the contrast in a sequence
• How sequences can be designed to give contrast
• How other factors can give rise to contrast in MRI

Acknowledgements

References

Background:

Spin Dynamics by Levitt

Using Bloch equations to predict signals in sequences

Vold et al JMR 11, 3, 283-298, 1973 [Very old paper but useful matrix representation]

Bakker et al Phys. Med. Biol., 29, 120, 1511-1525, 1984