Jason P. Stockmann

O-Space Imaging: Highly Efficient Parallel Imaging Using Second-Order Nonlinear Fields as Encoding Gradients with No Phase Encoding

Recent improvements in parallel imaging have been driven by the use of greater numbers of independent surface coils placed so as to minimize aliasing along the phase‐encode direction(s). However, gains from increasing the number of coils diminish as coil coupling problems begin to dominate and the ratio of acceleration gain to expense for multiple receiver chains becomes prohibitive. In this work, we redesign the spatial‐encoding strategy in order to gain efficiency, achieving a gradient encoding scheme that is complementary to the spatial encoding provided by the receiver coils. This approach leads to “O‐space” imaging, wherein the gradient shapes are tailored to an existing surface coil array, making more efficient use of the spatial information contained in the coil profiles. In its simplest form, for each acquired echo the Z2 spherical harmonic is used to project the object onto sets of concentric rings, while the X and Y gradients are used to offset this projection within the imaging plane. The theory is presented, an algorithm is introduced for image reconstruction, and simulations reveal that O‐space encoding achieves high encoding efficiency compared to sensitivity encoding (SENSE) radial k‐space trajectories, and parallel imaging technique with localized gradients (PatLoc), suggesting that O‐space imaging holds great potential for accelerated scanning. Magn Reson Med, 2010.

A 32‐channel combined RF and B0 shim array for 3T brain imaging

We add user‐controllable direct currents (DC) to the individual elements of a 32‐channel radio‐frequency (RF) receive array to provide B0 shimming ability while preserving the arrays reception sensitivity and parallel imaging performance.

High speed 3D overhauser-enhanced MRI using combined b-SSFP and compressed sensing.

Overhauser‐enhanced MRI is a promising technique for imaging the distribution and dynamics of free radicals. A key challenge for Overhauser‐enhanced MRI is attaining high spatial and temporal resolution while simultaneously limiting resonator and sample heating due to the long, high power radio‐frequency pulses needed to saturate the electron resonance.

Null space imaging: Nonlinear magnetic encoding fields designed complementary to receiver coil sensitivities for improved acceleration in parallel imaging

To increase image acquisition efficiency, we develop alternative gradient encoding strategies designed to provide spatial encoding complementary to the spatial encoding provided by the multiple receiver coil elements in parallel image acquisitions. Intuitively, complementary encoding is achieved when the magnetic field encoding gradients are designed to encode spatial information where receiver spatial encoding is ambiguous, for example, along sensitivity isocontours. Specifically, the method generates a basis set for the null space of the coil sensitivities with the singular value decomposition and calculates encoding fields from the null space vectors. A set of nonlinear gradients is used as projection imaging readout magnetic fields, replacing the conventional linear readout field and phase encoding. Multiple encoding fields are used as projections to capture the null space information, hence the term null space imaging. The method is compared to conventional Cartesian SENSitivity Encoding as evaluated by mean squared error and robustness to noise. Strategies for developments in the area of nonlinear encoding schemes are discussed. The null space imaging approach yields a parallel imaging method that provides high acceleration factors with a limited number of receiver coil array elements through increased time efficiency in spatial encoding. Magn Reson Med, 2012.

Two-dimensional imaging in a lightweight portable MRI scanner without gradient coils

As the premiere modality for brain imaging, MRI could find wider applicability if lightweight, portable systems were available for siting in unconventional locations such as intensive care units, physician offices, surgical suites, ambulances, emergency rooms, sports facilities, or rural healthcare sites.

In vivo O-Space imaging with a dedicated 12 cm Z2 insert coil on a human 3T scanner using phase map calibration.

Recently, spatial encoding with nonlinear magnetic fields has drawn attention for its potential to achieve faster gradient switching within safety limits, tailored resolution in regions of interest, and improved parallel imaging using encoding fields that complement the sensitivity profiles of radio frequency receive arrays. Proposed methods can broadly be divided into those that use phase encoding (Cartesian‐trajectory PatLoc and COGNAC) and those that acquire nonlinear projections (O‐Space, Null space imaging, radial PatLoc, and 4D‐RIO). Nonlinear projection data are most often reconstructed with iterative algorithms that backproject data using the full encoding matrix. Just like conventional radial sequences that use linear spatial encoding magnetic fields, nonlinear projection methods are more sensitive than phase encoding methods to imperfect calibration of the encoding fields. In this work, voxel‐wise phase evolution is mapped at each acquired point in an O‐Space trajectory using a variant of chemical shift imaging, capturing all spin dynamics caused by encoding fields, eddy currents, and pulse timing. Phase map calibration is then applied to data acquired from a high‐power, 12 cm, Z2 insert coil with an eight‐channel radio frequency transmit‐receive array on a 3T human scanner. We show the first experimental proof‐of‐concept O‐Space images on in vivo and phantom samples, paving the way for more in‐depth exploration of O‐Space and similar imaging methods. Magn Reson Med, 2013.

High-resolution in vivo diffusion imaging of the human brain with generalized slice dithered enhanced resolution: Simultaneous multislice (gSlider-SMS)

To develop an efficient acquisition for high‐resolution diffusion imaging and allow in vivo whole‐brain acquisitions at 600‐ to 700‐μm isotropic resolution.

Pseudo-random center placement O-space imaging for improved incoherence compressed sensing parallel MRI.

Nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic (SEM) field strategies such as O‐space imaging have previously reported dispersed artifacts during accelerated scans. Compressed sensing (CS) has shown a sparsity‐promoting convex program allows image reconstruction from a reduced data set when using the appropriate sampling. The development of a pseudo‐random center placement (CP) O‐space CS approach optimizes incoherence through SEM field modulation to reconstruct an image with reduced error.

Robust time-shifted spoke pulse design in the presence of large B0 variations with simultaneous reduction of through-plane dephasing, B1+ effects, and the specific absorption rate using parallel transmission

To design parallel transmission spokes pulses with time‐shifted profiles for joint mitigation of intensity variations due to B1+ effects, signal loss due to through‐plane dephasing, and the specific absorption rate (SAR) at 7T.

Spin Dephasing Under Nonlinear Gradients: Implications for Imaging and Field Mapping

This work examines the prototypical MR echo that would be expected for a voxel of spins evolving in a strong nonlinear field, specifically focusing on the quadratic z2 − ½(x2 + y2) field. Dephasing under nonlinear gradients is increasingly relevant given the growing interest in nonlinear imaging, and here, we report several notable differences from the linear case. Most notably, in addition to signal loss, intravoxel dephasing under gradients creating a wide and asymmetric frequency distribution across the voxel can cause skewed and nonlinear phase evolution. After presenting the qualitative and analytical origins of this difference, we experimentally demonstrate that neglecting these dynamics can lead to significant errors in sequences that assume phase evolution is proportional to voxel frequency, such as those used for field mapping. Finally, simplifying approximations to the signal equations are presented, which not only provide more intuitive forms of the exact expression but also result in simple rules to predict key features of the nonlinear evolution. Magn Reson Med, 2011.