Jacob Yoder with Robert Brown

Novel Techniques in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Two new approaches of MRI will be investigated.  The first is a birdcage resonator that would allow simultaneous imaging over a wide area of sample.  This result could be achieved by having the resonant modes converge at a single point.  It is also hoped that this type of resonator will increase the signal to noise ratio of NMR images. 

    The second innovation to be investigated is the idea of MRI without use of a gradient coil.  Traditionally, a gradient coil is used to pick out regions to be imaged by introducing a constant gradient in the primary B field.  It may be possible to make images without a gradient coil by removing the condition of homogeneity from the primary field, i.e., allowing fringe effects.