Abstract #2048

Lampman D, Margosian P, Taracila V, Brown R, Petropoulos L

An alternative methodology for reducing acoustic noise generated by the gradient structure is proposed. Instead of altering the mechanical and/or electrical structure of the gradient, we utilize the freedom in the choice of specific sequence parameters subject to patient comfort and image quality. The selection of these parameters is made such that intrinsic frequencies of the desired sequence do not coincide with gradients excitation modes. Using a 1.5T MR system, for example, we reduce the sequences peak acoustic noise level by 7 dB by simply modifying the TR times, with a scan time penalty of less than 0.8 sec.