A Novel Gradient Design: Simultaneous Generation of Fast Switchable Linear and High Order Field Gradient for MR Imaging

Stefan Wintzheimer¹, Florian Fidler², Michael Ledwig¹, Toni Driele¹, Daniel Gensler¹, Peter Michael Jakob^1,2

Shimming a magnetic field usually requires an additional set of complex coils which act independently from the linear gradient system used for MRI. In this study a novel matrix gradient design is presented, which is capable of generating both linear gradient fields for imaging and at the same time high order shim fields to compensate inhomogeneities in the main magnetic field. They provide the possibility to create a large variety of field profiles. Furthermore the new design is able to switch every field order very fast due to low inductivity of the coils.