Manchester NMR Methodology Group

The use of on-resonance 1 (2) over bar 1 binomial composite pulses in two-or three-dimensional magnetization-prepared gradient-recalled echo magnetic resonance imaging experiments generates rotary echoes, leading to an increase in contrast range that is, in part, determined by the ratio of T-2 to T-1. In comparison with other fast gradient-recalled echo imaging techniques designed for enhanced T-2 contrast, this method is more robust with respect to radiofrequency field inhomogeneity and less sensitive with respect to motion artifacts. Three-dimensional parametric images may be calculated using least-squares fitting based on a simple model for steady-state longitudinal magnetization during the imaging sequences.