B1 Gradient Encoding with the Rotating RF Coil

Adnan Trakic¹, Ewald Weber¹, Ming Yan Li¹, Jin Jin¹, Feng Liu¹, Stuart Crozier¹

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is achieved by pulsing gradient coils, which invariably leads to notable acoustic noise, eddy current induction in nearby conductors/ patient, and costly power and space requirements. We describe a new silent, B0 gradient-free MRI technique, B1 gradient encoding with a mechanically rotating RF coil (B1-RRFC), which facilitates a large number of B1 gradients over time. Preliminary results suggest that representative images with intensity deviations of < 5% from original image can be obtained using the new approach. Potential applications include silent, low-cost and simplified (gradient coil - free) MRI equipment.