MR 2 Flashcards
Give the equation for the energy required to excite transitions between Zeeman energy levels
∆E = required energy
ω = Larmor frequency
γ = Gyromagnetic ratio
B = magnetic field
The frequency required to excite transitions between Zeeman energy levels is in the _____________ (__) range.
Radiofrequency
RF
How are MRI scanners shielded from external radiofrequency signals?
The scanner is placed within a Faraday cage to provide RF shielding.
What are the two effects of the RF B₁ field (a field oscillating at RF frequency) on magnetic moments?
- It alters spin states
- It brings spins into phase
What is used to generate a B₁ field?
An RF coil tuned to the Larmor frequency
Which direction is the B₁ field applied in?
The x-direction to flip the equilibrium magnetisation
How does the RF B₁ field alter spin states?
An RF pulse can be applied at a given angle, energy and frequency, changing the populations of the energy levels.
What happens when the B₁ field RF pulse applied is at 90º to the B₀ field?
When the B₁ field RF pulse is applied in the x-direction (at 90º to the B₀ field), the populations of energy levels are equalised and M is reduced to 0 in the z-direction.
How does the RF B₁ field bring spins into phase?
If the B₁ field is applied perpendicular to the B₀ field (in the x-direction) it causes the spins to precess coherently because they have a net x-y component of magnetisation.
Describe a linearly polarised field
A sinusoidal alternating current is driven through a single loop at the Larmor frequency, generating an oscillating sinusoidal B₁ field perpendicular to the B₀ field.
Describe a circularly polarised field
A sinusoidal alternating current is driven through a pair of loops at the Larmor frequency, generating a rotating B₁ field.
Is linear or circular polarisation more efficient?
Circular
Why is circular polarisation more efficient?
An oscillating B₁ field is equivalent to two B₁ fields rotating at ±ω with a clockwise component on-resonance and an anticlockwise component off-resonance.
Linear polarisation does not pick up the off-resonance component but circular polarisation picks up both components so no power is wasted.
What frame is the B₁ field usually considered in?
A rotating frame
What are the coordinates of the rotating frame compared to a lab frame?
Lab frame: (x, y, z)
Rotating frame: (x’, y’, z)
Give the equation that relates a stationary frame to a rotating frame
LHS = position in the lab frame
ω x M = rotation of frame
Final term = position in rotating frame
What causes the net magnetisation to precess?
Torque