***Chapter 12 - Magnetic Resonance Basics Flashcards
The spectroscopic study of the magnetic properties of the nucleus of the atom
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
An energy coupling that causes the individual nuclei , when placed in a strong external magnetic field, to selectively absorb, and later release, energy unique to those nuclei and their surrounding environment
Resonance
A fundamental property of matter ; it is generated by moving charges, usually electrons
Magnetism
Smallest entities of magnetism
Domains
Number of magnetic lines of force per unit area; decreases roughly as the inverse square of the distance from the source
SI Unit: Tesla (T)
1 T = 10,000 G (gauss)
Magnetic field strength,B (also called the magnetic flux density)
Earth’s magnetic field strength in mT
0.05 mT
____ of the current in the coil determines the overall magnitude of the magnetic field strength
Amplitude
Magnetic field lines extending beyond the concentrated field
Fringe fields
Heart of the MR system
Magnet
Performance criteria for magnets(3)
- Field strength
- Temporal stability
- Field homogeneity
Magnets which have a HORIZONTAL main field produced in the bore of the electrical windings, with the Z axis (B0) along the bore axis
Air core magnets
Magnet with a vertical field, produced between the metal poles of a permanent or wire-wrapped electromagnet; Fringe fields are confined with this design
Solid core magnet
Interact with main magnetic field to improve homogeneity over the volume used for patient imaging
Shim coils
Exists within the main bore of the magnet to transmit energy to the patient as well as to receive returning signals
Radiofrequency (RF) coils
Contains within the main bore to produce a linear variation of magnetic field strength across the useful magnet volume
Gradient coils
Obtained by superimposing the magnetic fields of two or more coils carrying a direct current of specific amplitude and direction with a precisely defined geometry
Magnetic field gradient
Describes the extent to which a material becomes magnetized when place in a magnetic field
Magnetic susceptibility
3 categories of magnetic susceptibility
Diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic
- slightly negative susceptibility
- oppose the applied magnetic field, due to PAIRED electrons in the surrounding orbital electrons
Diamagnetic elements
*calcium, water and most organic materials (Carbon, Hydrogen)
- UNPAIRED electrons
- slightly positive susceptibility
- enhance the local magnetic field
- no measurable self-magnetism
Paramagnetic materials
*molecular oxygen, deoxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin and gadolinium-based contrast agents
- “superparamagnetic”
- augment the external magnetic field substantially
- exhibit “self-magnetism”
- can significantly distort the acquired signals
Ferromagnetic materials
- materials containing iron, cobalt, nickel
For a given nucleus , it is determined thru the pairing of the constituent protons and neutrons
Nuclear magnetic moment
The principal focus for generating MR signals
Nucleus of the hydrogen atom, the proton
Describes the dependence between the magnetic field and the angular precessional frequency
Larmor equation
A stationary reference frame from the observer’s point of view
Laboratory frame
A spinning axis system whereby the x’-y’ axes rotate at an angular frequency equal to the lateral frequency
Rotating frame
Along the z direction, is the component of the magnetic moment parallel to the applied magnetic field, B0
Longitudinal magnetization
*at equilibrium, the longitudinal magnetization is maximal and is denoted as M0, EQUILIBRIUM MAGNETIZATION
The component of the magnetic moment perpendicular to B0, Mxy, in the x-y plane
Transverse magnetization
Magnetic component of the RF excitation pulse
B1 field
Corresponds to the energy separation between the protons in the parallel and antiparallel directions
Resonance frequency
Considers the RF energy as PHOTONS (quanta) instead of waves
Quantum mechanics model
Represent the degree of Mz rotation by the B1 field as it is applied along the x’-axis (or the y’-axis) perpendicular to Mz
Flip angles