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Research Article
Could image processing enable reduced acoustic noise during MRI scans?
Article first published online: 28 OCT 2011
DOI: 10.1002/cmr.b.20208
Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issue
Concepts in Magnetic Resonance Part B: Magnetic Resonance Engineering
Volume 39B, Issue 4, pages 191–205, October 2011
Additional Information
How to Cite
Jackson, J. M., Forbes, L. K., While, P. T. and Brideson, M. A. (2011), Could image processing enable reduced acoustic noise during MRI scans?. Concepts Magn. Reson., 39B: 191–205. doi: 10.1002/cmr.b.20208
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 OCT 2011
- Article first published online: 28 OCT 2011
- Manuscript Accepted: 6 OCT 2011
- Manuscript Revised: 29 SEP 2011
- Manuscript Received: 19 JUL 2011
Funded by
- Australian Postgraduate Award
- Australian Research Council. Grant Number: DP0877160
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- gradient coil;
- acoustic noise reduction;
- Tikhonov regularization;
- image processing
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coils are typically associated with high acoustic noise levels, which can pose problems for the patient and attending medical staff. Lorentz forces are generated by gradient coils, which are switched rapidly. The Lorentz forces displace the coil former and promote a pressure wave that is responsible for acoustic noise up to 130 dB. The high noise levels are an unavoidable consequence of requiring the gradient coils to generate highly homogeneous linear magnetic fields. However, in this article, we present a mathematical method for designing coils that achieve a drastic reduction in noise level by deliberately sacrificing field linearity. We show that useful images can nevertheless be obtained from the nonlinear fields associated with these quiet coils. Examples are given that demonstrate the robustness of the method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 39B: 191–205, 2011