Magnetic resonance imaging in a hands-on student experiment using an EPR spectrometer

✍ Scribed by Smirnov, Alex I. ;Belford, R. L. ;Morse, Reef (Philip D., II)

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 370 KB
• Volume: 11
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-7347
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0534(1999)11:5<277::aid-cmr1>3.0.co;2-6

✦ Synopsis

Many modern medical diagnostic techniques, including magnetic reso- ( ) nance imaging MRI and computed tomography, are based on image reconstruction from projections. Unfortunately, the high cost of acquiring, maintaining, and operating MRI equipment makes it unavailable for hands-on undergraduate student laboratory experiments. Here, we describe a laboratory module for teaching the principles of MRI. It is based on a minor modification of an ordinary continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. By applying magnetic field gradients, students learn the basic principles of MRI and practice with samples made from stable free radicals and a roasted coffee bean. The value of this laboratory experiment is to connect magnetic resonance spectroscopy with its application in imaging and to provide students with hands-on experience in the basics of computer-assisted tomography.