Synopsis

This course outlines the various considerations involved in designing, building, assembling and testing a gradient coil prototype, from the perspective of an academic researcher. The following topics are reviewed during the course: 1) Why would you want to make your own gradient coil; 2) electromagnetic design considerations; 3) Preliminary construction considerations; 4) Mechanical design considerations; 5) Choice of materials; 6) Construction methods; 7) Testing and tuning. The lecture ends with a video showing the actual procedure of inserting a head gradient into a clinical whole-body 3T scanner and demonstrating the successful implementation of many of the concepts during the course.