Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Original PDF from Publisher)

Unraveling the Enigmatic Realm of Ultra-Low-Field NMR/MRI: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Ultra-Low-Field NMR/MRI (ULF NRM/MRI)

This groundbreaking book delves into the captivating field of ULF NMR/MRI, a realm where magnetic fields measured in micro-Tesla and milli-Tesla reign supreme. Unlike conventional high-field MRI, ULF NMR/MRI offers a distinctive approach to imaging the human brain, opening up novel avenues for biomedical research and clinical applications.

The Focus: Imaging the Human Brain

At the heart of this book lies the exploration of ULF NMR/MRI’s potential in unraveling the intricate workings of the human brain. The authors meticulously discuss the merits and limitations of ULF NMR/MRI in this context, providing a thorough understanding of its unique capabilities and challenges.

Hardware Innovations: Embracing Pre-Polarization and SQUID Detection

The book sheds light on the innovative hardware methods employed in ULF NMR/MRI, with a particular focus on pre-polarization techniques and SQUID-based detection. These advanced methodologies enable the acquisition of high-quality images, even in the presence of ultra-low magnetic fields.

Overcoming Key Challenges: Signal-to-Noise and Imaging Time

The text delves into the inherent challenges of ULF NMR/MRI, namely the low signal-to-noise ratio and extended imaging times. It presents a comprehensive framework for understanding these obstacles and offers strategies for mitigation, paving the way for more efficient and sensitive imaging.

MEG and ULF MRI: A Symbiotic Combination

The book explores the synergistic relationship between magnetoencephalography (MEG) and ULF MRI. It delves into the benefits and challenges of combining these two modalities, highlighting the potential for simultaneous brain imaging with complementary information.

Unique Relaxation Contrast and Image Artifacts

ULF NMR/MRI exhibits unique relaxation contrast mechanisms, which are thoroughly examined in the text. The authors also provide in-depth insights into the various image artifacts encountered in ULF MRI and offer practical solutions for their correction.

Pulse Sequences: Tailoring to ULF MRI

The book examines the specialized pulse sequences developed for ULF MRI, highlighting their ability to address the challenges and exploit the opportunities presented by this novel imaging modality.

Applications of ULF NMR/MRI: Exploring Uncharted Territory

The text culminates with an overview of the promising applications of ULF NMR/MRI, including functional brain imaging, high-resolution anatomical imaging, and the detection of biomarkers for neurological disorders.

A Comprehensive Resource for the Field

This book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students alike. It provides a comprehensive overview of ULF NMR/MRI, empowering readers with a deep understanding of the theory, techniques, and applications of this emerging technology.