Design and Evaluation of a Modular Array Gradient System for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The trend in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is toward faster readout sequences, higher gradient strengths, and smaller fields of view. Many conventional MR imagers are not capable of executing newer, more demanding pulse sequences. Explained within are the efforts to design and construct a modular array gradient coil system that can be used to affordably retrofit existing systems, offering the capability for 0.1 millimeter voxel sizes. Also presented are comparisons of performance between conventional imagers and the modular array gradient coil system.