This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Susceptibility distortions at high fields can cause serious problems for many applications of MR, such as fMRI brain studies near the ear canals, sinuses or towards the base of the brain. These effects get worse as the field increases, becoming very problematic above 3 Tesla. Dr Smith is funded to develop methods for correcting these distortions. The first methods use pulse sequence modifications to reduce susceptibility losses that occur in the slice selection procedure (which are often greatest since the slice selection gradient is often relatively weak). Through a subcontract to Dr Briggs, we are just beginning implementing and testing these sequences first at 11T, but later 17.6T. This has first required the implementation and testing of the EPI sequences on the 11T, and construction of phantoms relevant for effecting susceptibility distortions. A new physics student is joining us full time shortly to assist with these studies.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 76 publications
