Toward 20 T magnetic resonance for human brain studies: opportunities for discovery and neuroscience rationale

Abstract

An initiative to design and build magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) instruments at 14 T and beyond to 20 T has been underway since 2012. This initiative has been supported by 22 interested participants from the USA and Europe, of which 15 are authors of this review. Advances in high temperature superconductor materials, advances in cryocooling engineering, prospects for non-persistent mode stable magnets, and experiences gained from large-bore, high-field magnet engineering for the nuclear fusion endeavors support the feasibility of a human brain MRI and MRS system with 1 ppm homogeneity over at least a 16-cm diameter volume and a bore size of 68 cm. Twelve neuroscience opportunities are presented as well as an analysis of the biophysical and physiological effects to be investigated before exposing human subjects to the high fields of 14 T and beyond.

Gradient and shim technologies for ultra high field MRI

“…There is evidence that physiological effects, such as vertigo, metallic taste, and dizziness are related to the spatial fall-off ( dB 0 / dz ) of the fringe field and to the diamagnetic force B 0 * dB 0 / dz (Kangarlu et al, 1999; Liu et al, 2003; Cavin et al, 2007; Glover et al, 2007; Glover and Bowtell, 2008; Groebner et al, 2011; Budinger et al, 2016). …”

NMR of Macromolecular Assemblies and Machines at 1 GHz and Beyond: New Transformative Opportunities for Molecular Structural Biology

“…(For reviews of applications of high magnetic fields to MRI see references (8, 9). ) Here we focus on advancements in technology and methodology as applied in the burgeoning field of NMR at field strengths above 1 GHz.…”

Implantable Microcoil for In-vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

“…research [6]. Thus, the geometrical parameters are optimized to attain a maximum B 1 and to reduce the coil dimensions (minimum Rs) so a low noise Signal could be detected.…”