Rebecca E. Feldman1, William Handler2,
1Medical Biophysics, University of
Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; 2Physics and Astronomy,
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Localized
gradients can deliver high gradient strengths and slew rates due to both
increased gradient efficiency and elevated nerve stimulation thresholds.
Gradients in diffusion-weighted imaging play two distinct roles. A gradient
with a large linear range is required for imaging. However, for the diffusion
weighting the gradient is only required to be strong. This abstract details
the optimization for a diffusion-only gradient intended to be used as a
fourth axis in addition to the three standard whole-body imaging gradients.
Non-cylindrical and planar designs are considered. Using non-traditional
designs, and a relaxed linearity constraint, exceptionally strong gradients
can be designed.
Keywords