A new method to measure rotating frame relaxation and to create contrast
for MRI is introduced. The technique exploits relaxation along a fictitious
field (RAFF) generated by amplitude- and frequency-modulated irradiation in a
sub-adiabatic condition. Here, RAFF is demonstrated using a radiofrequency pulse
based on sine and cosine amplitude and
frequency modulations of equal amplitudes, which gives rise to a stationary
fictitious magnetic field in a doubly rotating frame. According to dipolar
relaxation theory, the RAFF relaxation time constant
(TRAFF) was found to differ from laboratory
frame relaxation times (T1 and
T2) and rotating frame relaxation times
(T1ρ and
T2ρ). This prediction was supported by
experimental results obtained from human brain in vivo and
three different solutions. Results from relaxation mapping in human brain
demonstrated the ability to create MRI contrast based on RAFF. The value of
TRAFF was found to be insensitive to the initial
orientation of the magnetization vector. Finally, as compared with adiabatic
pulse trains of equal durations, RAFF required less radiofrequency power and
therefore can be more readily used for rotating frame relaxation studies in
humans.
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