The MR Scanner

Abstract

By now we have mentioned all the various components of an MR scanner. In particular we need the following (Fig. 27):

• A strong magnet to generate the stationary magnetic field B₀.

• Gradient coils in the X-, Y- and Z-directions, including the appropriate amplifiers.

• An RF transmitter including a transmitter coil built into the scanner.

• A highly sensitive RF receiver which will pick up and amplify the MR signal. The transmitter coil can also be used as a receiver by employing an automatic selector switch.

• Additional coils, either exclusively for receiving, or for receiving and transmitting.

• Various computers for controlling the scanner and the gradients (control computer), to reconstruct the MR images (reconstruction computer) and to coordinate everything (main computer with connections to the control console and image archives).

• Additional auxiliary components such as a control for the examination table, ECG and respiration monitors, for appropriate control of the sequences, cooling devices for the magnets, a second data handling console, film exposing device, etc.