Nonlinear gyromagnetic transmission line design optimization for increasing radiopulse generation efficiency

Using numerical simulation an optimization of gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line design was carried out. The goal of simulation was to increase efficiency of video pulse into radiofrequency pulse transformation. Several factors significantly influencing the efficiency of generators were found. Experimental validation of some obtained results is also discussed.

Approximate representations of shaped pulses using the homotopy analysis method

The evolution of nuclear spin magnetization during a radiofrequency pulse in the absence of relaxation or coupling interactions can be described by three Euler angles. The Euler angles, in turn, can be obtained from the solution of a Riccati differential equation; however, analytic solutions exist only for rectangular and hyperbolic-secant pulses. The homotopy analysis method is used to obtain new approximate solutions to the Riccati equation for shaped radiofrequency pulses in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results of even relatively low orders of approximation are highly accurate and can be calculated very efficiently. The results are extended in a second application of the homotopy analysis method to represent relaxation as a perturbation of the magnetization trajectory calculated in the absence of relaxation. The homotopy analysis method is powerful and flexible and is likely to have other applications in magnetic resonance.

Approximate Representations of Shaped Pulses Using the Homotopy Analysis Method

The evolution of nuclear spin magnetization during a radiofrequency pulse in the absence of relaxation or coupling interactions can be described by three Euler angles. The Euler angles in turn can be obtained from the solution of a Riccati differential equation; however, analytic solutions exist only for rectangular and chirp pulses. The Homotopy Analysis Method is used to obtain new approximate solutions to the Riccati equation for shaped radiofrequency pulses in NMR spectroscopy. The results of even relatively low orders of approximation are highly accurate and can be calculated very efficiently. The Homotopy Analysis Method is powerful and flexible and is likely to have other applications in theoretical magnetic resonance.

Visualizing the autonomic and somatic innervation of the female pelvis with 3D MR neurography: a feasibility study

Background Treatment of female pelvic malignancies often causes pelvic nerve damage. Magnetic resonance (MR) neurography mapping the female pelvic innervation could aid in treatment planning. Purpose To depict female autonomic and somatic pelvic innervation using a modified 3D NerveVIEW sequence. Material and Methods Prospective study in 20 female volunteers (n = 6 normal, n = 14 cervical pathology) who underwent a modified 3D short TI inversion recovery (STIR) turbo spin-echo (TSE) scan with a motion-sensitive driven equilibrium (MSDE) preparation radiofrequency pulse and flow compensation. Modifications included offset independent trapezoid (OIT) pulses for inversion and MSDE refocusing. Maximum intensity projections (MIP) were evaluated by two observers (Observer 1, Observer 2); image quality was scored as 2 = high, 1 = medium, or 0 = low with the sciatic nerve serving as a reference. Conspicuity of autonomic superior (SHP) and bilateral inferior hypogastric plexuses (IHP), hypogastric nerves, and somatic pelvic nerves (sciatic, pudendal) was scored as 2 = well-defined, 1 = poorly defined, or 0 = not seen, and inter-observer agreement was determined. Results Images were of medium to high quality according to both observers agreeing in 15/20 (75%) of individuals. SHP and bilateral hypogastric nerves were seen in 30/60 (50%) of cases by both observers. Bilateral IHP was seen in 85% (34/40) by Observer 1 and in 75% (30/40) by Observer 2. Sciatic nerves were well identified in all cases, while pudendal nerves were seen bilaterally by Observer 1 in 65% (26/40) and by Observer 2 in 72.5% (29/40). Agreement between observers for scoring nerve conspicuity was in the range of 60%–100%. Conclusion Modified 3D NerveVIEW renders high-quality images of the female autonomic and pudendal nerves.

QUASI-HARMONIC OSCILLATIONS IN A NONLINEAR TRANSMISSION LINE, RESULTING FROM CHERENKOV SYNCHRONISM

Experimental data and results of numerical modeling are presented, concerning excitation of microwave oscillations by a wave of pulsed ‘dc’ current (eventually, a shock wave) traveling through a radially non-uniform coaxial guiding structure. Similar experiments with ‘standard’ structures that involve a nonlinear dielectric insert (ferrite) in the coax and another dielectric, characterized by a smaller dielectric constant, result in appearance of a short radiofrequency pulse, in the form of decaying sinusoidal voltage at the line’s output. The decay is shown to be associated with a lack of velocity synchronism between the principal ‘quasi-TEM’ wave mode in the system and the slow Emode excited by the electromagnetic shock. Numerical experiments within 3-D models have demonstrated possibilities for obtaining radio pulses of various lengths, involving oscillations of a stable frequency and nearly constant amplitude – provided that Cherenkov-type synchronism were satisfied, owing to slowing down of the faster ‘quasiTEM’ mode. To cut its speed down two methods can be suggested, (i) using a dielectric material with a high value of the dielectric permittivity, and (ii) introducing a periodic slow-wave structure whose period would be smaller than the wavelength of the oscillations considered.