Optimization of signal behavior in the transition to driven equilibrium in steady-state free precession sequences. |
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Authors: | Juergen Hennig Oliver Speck Klaus Scheffler |
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Affiliation: | Dept of Diagnostic Radiology, Section of Medical Physics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. hennig@nz11.ukl.uni-freiburg.de |
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Abstract: | A new technique to avoid the initial signal fluctuations in steady-state free precession (SSFP)-sequences, such as trueFISP, FIESTA, and refocused FFE, is presented. The "transition into driven equilibrium" (TIDE) sequence uses modified flip angles over the initialization phase of a SSFP experiment, which not only avoids image artifacts but also improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast behavior compared to conventional approaches. TIDE is demonstrated to be robust against variations of T(1) and T(2), and leads to a monotonous signal evolution for off-resonance spins. The basic principles can also be applied repetitively to optimize continuous 3D acquisitions. |
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Keywords: | steady‐state free precession (SSFP) trueFISP FIESTA TIDE gradient echo imaging |
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