Biomedical MRI with Laser Polarized Gases

The field of medical imaging with polarized rare gases, spawned by the remarkable developments of polarized ³He targets, has brought optical scientists together with medical researchers to perfect techniques and pursue new opportunities for biomedical research. This brief overview aims to present the field from several perspectives from historical to physical, to biomedical. The biomedical perspective describes work to date and the potential applications of imaging in medicine and research.