Gradient group
The gradient group develops novel high-performance gradient insert designs that aim to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and image distortions of MR images by reducing the time needed for spatial and molecular motion encoding. In addition, we are developing ultrasonic (silent) gradients with the aim to improve patient comfort by enabling faster and quieter scanning. For the high-performance gradients, the main application areas are diffusion, flow, and functional MRI while the ultrasonic gradients focus on applications to clinical protocols and spectroscopy.
Research in the gradient group not only focusses on gradient design but also on software development for novel MR-sequences and reconstruction methods to take full advantages of the spatial and molecular motion encoding capabilities of the MR-system.
Group members:
- Jeroen Siero
High-resolution and fast and silent scanning using state-of-the-art hardware such as (ultrasonic) insert gradient coils. Jeroen Siero» - Chantal Tax Improved encoding of translational motion (diffusion and flow) and reduced image distortions Chantal Tax»
- Edwin Versteeg
Ongoing research projects
- Ultrasonic (silent) gradients for fast and high-resolution spectroscopic imaging at 7T
- Microscan: Short echo-time diffusion imaging using high-performance gradients (Gmax =200 mT/m, SRmax = 1300 T/m/s)
- Clinical applications for ultrasonic gradients using an ultrasonic gradient designed for 3T
- Ultrasonic MR-STAT: project exploring the extension of the ultrasonic gradient concept to body imaging through a combination of non-linear gradient fields and a physics-based reconstruction
- High performance functional MRI using a high slew rate gradient insert to shorten the EPI echo-train
- Combining high performance gradients with flow-imaging to improve sensitivity
- Hardware development for ultrasonic gradients aiming to produce a gradient chain (gradient amplifier + gradient coils) optimized for ultrasonic imaging