Optimization of RF Excitation to Maximize Signal and T2 Contrast of Tissues with Rapid Transverse Relaxation

Michael Carl¹, Mark Bydder², Jiang Du², Atsushi Takahashi¹, Eric Han¹, Graeme Bydder²

We present experimental data to verify theoretical findings on how to select the RF parameters of a non-selective SPGR pulse train to maximize signal amplitude and T2 contrast in tissues with fast transverse relaxation. The experimental data very closely matched the theory so that our results may directly be implemented to maximize the scan efficiency of UTE acquisitions.