磁共振现代射频脉冲理论在非均匀场成像中的应用

在磁共振非均匀场成像中，传统的射频脉冲导致回波信号的衰减.为了减小和消除这种磁共振信号的衰减，在讨论了经典理论的基础上根据非线性动力学中的逆散射理论和Shinnar-Le Roux方法导出了用于非均匀场成像的射频脉冲设计方法.模拟结果表明，采用逆散射理论和Shinnar-Le Roux方法优化的脉冲序列可以明显提高信号的信噪比. 关键词： 磁共振成像 射频脉冲 非线性系统     

Semi-adiabatic Shinnar–Le Roux pulses and their application to diffusion tensor imaging of humans at 7T

The adiabatic Shinnar–Le Roux (SLR) algorithm for radiofrequency (RF) pulse design enables systematic control of pulse parameters such as bandwidth, RF energy distribution and duration. Some applications, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at high magnetic fields, would benefit from RF pulses that can provide greater B₁ insensitivity while adhering to echo time and specific absorption rate (SAR) limits. In this study, the adiabatic SLR algorithm was employed to generate 6-ms and 4-ms 180° semi-adiabatic RF pulses which were used to replace the refocusing pulses in a twice-refocused spin echo (TRSE) diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging (DW-EPI) sequence to create two versions of a twice-refocused adiabatic spin echo (TRASE) sequence. The two versions were designed for different trade-offs between adiabaticity and echo time. Since a pair of identical refocusing pulses is applied, the quadratic phase imposed by the first is unwound by the second, preserving the linear phase created by the excitation pulse. In vivo images of the human brain obtained at 7 Testa (7 T) demonstrate that both versions of the TRASE sequence developed in this study achieve more homogeneous signal in the diffusion-weighted images than the conventional TRSE sequence. Semi-adiabatic SLR pulses offer a more B₁-insensitive solution for diffusion preparation at 7 T, while operating within SAR constraints. This method may be coupled with any EPI readout trajectory and parallel imaging scheme to provide more uniform coverage for diffusion tensor imaging at 7 T and 3 T.     

Practical pulse synthesis via the discrete inverse scattering transform

This paper provides the practical details required to use the inverse scattering (IST) approach to design selective RF-pulses. As in the Shinnar-Le Roux (SLR) approach, we use a hard pulse approximation to actually design the pulse. Unlike SLR, the pulse is designed using the full inverse scattering data (the reflection coefficient and the bound states) rather than the flip angle profile. We explain how to approximate the reflection coefficient to obtain a pulse with a prescribed rephasing time. In contrast to the SLR approach, we retain direct control on the phase of the magnetization profile throughout the design process. We give explicit recursive algorithms for computing the hard pulse from the inverse scattering data. These algorithms are quite different from the SLR recursion, being essentially discretizations of the Marchenko equations. We call our approach the discrete inverse scattering transform or DIST. Overall, it is as fast as the SLR approach. When bound states are present, we use both the left and right Marchenko equations to improve the numerical stability of the algorithm. We compute a variety of examples and consider the effect of amplitude errors on the magnetization profile.     

Design and optimization for variable rate selective excitation using an analytic RF scaling function

At higher B(0) fields, specific absorption rate (SAR) deposition increases. Due to maximum SAR limitation, slice coverage decreases and/or scan time increases. Conventional selective RF pulses are played out in conjunction with a time independent field gradient. Variable rate selective excitation (VERSE) is a technique that modifies the original RF and gradient waveforms such that slice profile is unchanged. The drawback is that the slice profile for off-resonance spins is distorted. A new VERSE algorithm based on modeling the scaled waveforms as a Fermi function is introduced. It ensures that system related constraints of maximum gradient amplitude and slew rate are not exceeded. The algorithm can be used to preserve the original RF pulse duration while minimizing SAR and peak b1 or to minimize the RF pulse duration. The design is general and can be applied to any symmetrical or asymmetrical RF waveform. The algorithm is demonstrated by using it to (a) minimize the SAR of a linear phase RF pulse, (b) minimize SAR of a hyperbolic secant RF pulse, and (c) minimize the duration of a linear phase RF pulse. Images with a T1-FLAIR (T1 FLuid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) sequence using a conventional and VERSE adiabatic inversion RF pulse are presented. Comparison of images and scan parameters for different anatomies and coils shows increased scan coverage and decreased SAR with the VERSE inversion RF pulse, while image quality is preserved.     

Maximizing MR signal for 2D UTE slice selection in the presence of rapid transverse relaxation

Ultrashort TE (UTE) sequences allow direct visualization of tissues with very short T2 relaxation times, such as tendons, ligaments, menisci, and cortical bone. In this work, theoretical calculations, simulations, and phantom studies, as well as in vivo imaging were performed to maximize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for slice selective RF excitation for 2D UTE sequences. The theoretical calculations and simulations were based on the Bloch equations, which lead to analytic expressions for the optimal RF pulse duration and amplitude to maximize magnetic resonance signal in the presence of rapid transverse relaxation. In steady state, it was found that the maximum signal amplitude was not obtained at the classical Ernst angle, but at an either lower or higher flip angle, depending on whether the RF pulse duration or amplitude was varied, respectively.     

用于长脉冲多束团直线加速器的SLED系统

根据长脉冲多束团直线加速器对输入微波波形的要求,系统研究了带有SLED的微波系统,由SLED基本理论推导了输出RAMP波形和平顶波形脉冲时SLED所需的输入波形,给出SLED的参数优化方法.用冷测实验对所发展的理论进行了验证,第一次用SLED产生了RAMP波形和平顶波形的RF脉冲.     

针对限制幅值磁共振脉冲的优化设计

在磁共振脉冲优化领域,优化脉冲普遍存在幅值过大的问题,这极大地限制了优化脉冲的使用范围。为了限制优化脉冲的幅值,扩大其应用范围,提出了一种基于L-BFGS-B数值算法的脉冲优化设计方法。首先基于Liouville-von Neuman方程,使用最优控制思想构建优化模型;然后使用L-BFGS-B算法,在限制幅值的条件下对优化模型进行数值迭代求解;最后以脉冲的激发效率以及激发轮廓的均匀性作为衡量优化脉冲优劣的标准对该方法进行仿真和实验验证。结果表明,采用该方法获得的优化脉冲在幅值被限制的前提下,仍能获得较传统磁共振脉冲更好的共振激发效果,进而增强信号的灵敏度,提高图像的质量。     

Evolution Strategy Optimization for Selective Pulses in NMR

We present a first set of improved selective pulses, obtained with a numerical technique similar to the one proposed by Geen and Freeman. The novelty is essentially a robust and efficient “evolution strategy” which consistently leads, in a matter of minutes, to “solutions” better than those published so far. The other two ingredients are a “cost function,” which includes contributions from peak and average radiofrequency power, and some understanding of the peculiar requirements of each type of pulse. For example, good solutions for self-refocusing pulses and “negative phase excitation pulses” (which yield a maximum signal well after the end of the pulse) are found, as may have been predicted, among amplitude modulated pulses with 270° tip angles. Emphasis is given to the search for solutions with low RF power for selective excitation, saturation, and inversion pulses. Experimental verification of accuracy and power requirements of the pulses has been performed with a 4.7 T Sisco imager.     

Error and jitter effect studies on the SLED for the BEPC Ⅱ-linac

An RF pulse compressor is a device used to convert a long RF pulse to a short one with a much higher peak RF magnitude. SLED can be regarded as the earliest RF pulse compressor to be used in large-scale linear accelerators. It has been widely studied around the world and applied in the BEPC and BEPC linac for many years. During routine operation, error and jitter effects will deteriorate the performance of SLED, either on the output electromagnetic wave amplitude or phase. The error effects mainly include the frequency drift induced by cooling water temperature variation and the frequency/Q 0 /β unbalances between the two energy storage cavities caused by mechanical fabrication or microwave tuning. The jitter effects refer to the PSK switching phase and time jitters. In this paper, we re-derive the generalized formulae for the conventional SLED used in the BEPC linac, and the error and jitter effects on SLED performance are also investigated.     

幅度调制器对宽带低相干光时频特性的影响

通过改变马赫-曾德干涉型幅度调制器的射频系数和偏置电压,调制光脉冲的强度。研究了幅度调制器对宽带低相干光时频特性影响的规律,分析调制后的光脉冲时域波形分布、光谱和复相干度模值曲线,结果表明,射频系数对光脉冲的光谱成分和时间相干性无明显的调制,射频系数存在最佳工作区间使得输出光脉冲的波形保真度最佳。当偏置电压处于半波电压时,光脉冲的时域波形保真度最好,时间相干性最低,但光谱成分会缺失。理论仿真了调制器的臂长差、偏置电压对宽带低相干光频域特性的影响,与由实测光谱计算出调制器的臂长差,实验结果进行了对比,结果基本符合。由于实际的电光重叠积分因子随加载电压值变化,因而模拟与实测结果存在误差,但研究得出的规律将为低相干脉冲精密整形系统提供更为明确的方向。     

基于FPGA与DDS的磁共振成像射频脉冲发生器

设计了一种基于现场可编程门阵列(FPGA)与直接数字频率合成(DDS)的磁共振成像(MRI)射频脉冲发生器,采用FPGA实现DDS,并内置软脉冲波形双端口随机存取存储器(RAM)、乘法器以及相关的控制逻辑.实现了较高的技术指标,其中频率、相位与幅度分辨率分别为32 bits、16 bits与16 bits,软脉冲波形的时间精度可达0.1?s.FPGA提供了一个可编程的接口,便于序列控制器对其进行控制,以输出射频脉冲.MRI实验结果证明了该设计的可行性.     

Diffusion in porous building materials with high internal magnetic field gradients

An algorithm to calculate NMR signals of a multi-echo pulse sequence with arbitrary position dependent B0 and B1 fields taking into account relaxation and spin-diffusion is presented. The multi-echo pulse sequence consists of an initial RF pulse ("90 degrees " RF pulse) and a series of L refocusing RF pulses with arbitrary phases and flip-angles. The calculation is exact and takes into account all the magnetization pathways that contribute to the signal on a predefined spatial grid. The theoretical prediction is verified experimentally using a high field NMR microscopy system. The algorithm was implemented in a simulation program in order to optimize the design of an inside-out MR intra-vascular catheter that is used for characterization of vessel wall tissue. Measured data obtained with the catheter are in good agreement with the theoretical prediction of the simulation.     

Quantitative MR renography using a calibrated internal signal (ERETIC)

To measure MR renograms, cortical and medullary kidney signal intensity evolution is followed after contrast agent injection. To obtain an accurate quantitative signal measurement, the use of a reference signal is necessary to correct the potential MRI system variations in time. The ERETIC method (Electronic Reference To access In vivo Concentrations) provides an electronic reference signal. It is synthesized as an amplitude modulated RF pulse applied during the acquisition. The ERETIC method was as precise as the external tube reference method but presents major advantages like its free adjustability (shape, location and magnitude) to the characteristics of the organ studied as well as its not taking room inside the magnet. Even though ERETIC showed a very good intrinsic stability, systems' variations still affect its signal in the same way as real NMR signals are affected. This method can be easily implemented on any imaging system with two RF channels.     

Nonlinear phase adjustment of selective excitation pulses

A continuous transformation of an RF waveform with a modified Korteweg-de Vries equation or generalization can be used to adjust the phase behavior of a selective excitation pulse while preserving the magnitude behavior of the spin response. This transformation has applications in removing or adding to the nonlinear phase properties of a selected region.     

用于同时多层MRI的选择性射频脉冲的优化设计

近年来,为提高磁共振成像（MRI）信号信噪比（SNR）、缩短成像时间,同时多层成像技术受到了极大的关注.为了实现同时多层的选择性激发,现有的多层成像序列大多使用组合射频（RF）脉冲,该脉冲可包含多个独立的幅值相同相位不同的简单脉冲,由于其采用简单的线性叠加方法,该类脉冲射频功率随脉冲数量呈现平方增长,因而应用受限.针对这一问题,基于自旋动力学和优化控制原理,本文提出了一种针对同时多层MRI的选择性射频脉冲的数值优化方法,该方法充分运用射频脉冲的调控机制,获得优化脉冲,并配合层选梯度,可实现任意层厚、层间距、层数的同时高效选择性激发.最后,通过数字模体的同时多层模拟成像实验验证了优化脉冲的有效性.     

一种通用的核磁共振微成像系统

介绍了一种通用的核磁共振微成像系统,只需4根通用并行I/O口线,就可以附加在常规的NMR谱仪上,进行磁共振微成像实验.详细讨论了各个部件的研制问题,最后给出了本实验室利用此微成像系统做的MRI实验结果。     

具有快速调制功能NMR发射机的设计与实现

介绍了一种具有快速幅度、相位和频率调制功能的核磁共振射频发射机. 数字中频子系统中采用了两个级联的数控振荡器,前一级数控振荡器在FPGA内实现,用于产生基带调制信号;后一级则采用具有正交调制功能的DDS芯片,由它来完成基带信号的采样率转换、中频产生、调制和输出. 射频脉冲的相位和频率偏置的设置直接由级联NCO实现,而幅度设置则由步进衰减器和中频幅度调制共同实现. 该发射机的基本性能和功能满足常规1D/2D NMR实验需求.     

基于DDE接口技术的计算机辅助装调方法

根据波前拟合和计算机辅助装调的算法原理,基于动态数据交换（DDE）接口技术和泽尼克多项式拟合技术,采用阻尼最小二乘法,运用MATLAB和ZEMAX联合计算实现了计算机辅助装调。利用DDE接口在ZEMAX和MATLAB之间进行通讯,并用MATLAB编写了能够生成各阶泽尼克圆多项式和环多项式的基底矩阵函数的可视化的计算机辅助装调程序,实现了程序的通用性及易用性。使用该程序对大遮拦比光学系统进行模拟装调,验证了程序的正确性。为了确认泽尼克圆多项式在环域上的相关性对计算机辅助装调结果的影响,分别采用泽尼克圆多项式和环多项式进行模拟装调。模拟结果表明：计算机辅助装调使用这两种泽尼克多项式均可行。     

Bunch length measurement using a traveling wave RF deflector

RF deflectors can be used for bunch length measurement with high resolution. This paper describes a completed S-band traveling wave RF deflector and the bunch length measurement of the electron beam produced by the photocathode RF gun of the Shanghai DUV-FEL facility. This is the first time that such a transverse RF deflector has been developed and used to measure the bunch length of picosecond order in China. The deflector's VSWR is 1.06, the whole attenuation 0.5 dB, and the bandwidth 4.77 MHz for VSWR less than 1.1. With a laser pulse width of 8.5 ps, beam energy of 4.2 MeV, and bunch charge of 0.64 nC, the bunch lengths for different RF input power into the deflector were measured, and an averaged rms bunch length of 5.25 ps was obtained. A YAG crystal is used as a screen downstream of the deflector, with the calibrated value of 1 pix = 136 μm.     

An open volume, high isolation, radio frequency surface coil system for pulsed magnetic resonance

We present an open volume, high isolation, RF system suitable for pulsed NMR and EPR spectrometers with reduced dead time. It comprises a set of three RF surface coils disposed with mutually parallel RF fields and a double-channel receiver (RX). Theoretical and experimental results obtained with a prototype operating at about 100 MHz are reported. Each surface RF coil (diameter 5.5 cm) was tuned to f₀ = 100.00 ± 0.01 MHz when isolated. Because of the mutual coupling and the geometry of the RF coils, only two resonances at f₁ = 97.94 MHz and f₂ = 101.85 MHz were observed. We show they are associated with two different RF field spatial distributions. In continuous mode (CW) operation the isolation between the TX coil and one of the RX coils (single-channel) was about −10 dB. By setting the double-channel RF assembly in subtraction mode the isolation values at f₁ or f₂ could be optimised to about −75 dB. Following a TX RF pulse (5 μs duration) an exponential decay with time constant of about 600 ns was observed. The isolation with single-channel RX coil was about −11 dB and it increased to about −47 dB with the double-channel RX in subtraction mode. Similar results were obtained with the RF pulse frequency selected to f₂ and also with shorter (500 ns) RF pulses. The above geometrical parameters and operating frequency of the RF assembly were selected as a model for potential applications in solid state NMR and in free radical EPR spectroscopy and imaging.