Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Research in Hawaii, Prof. Thomas Ernst (University of Hawaii)
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Pacific/Honolulu
112 (Watanabe Hall)
112
Watanabe Hall
2505 Correa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Description
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) use nuclear magnetic
resonance to evaluate the structure, function, and physiology of the human
brain in vivo. MRI affords high spatial and temporal resolution, is
non-invasive and repeatable, and can be performed in children. However,
motion continues to be a substantial problem in many MR studies, resulting
in data with motion artifacts that may prevent accurate diagnoses or
assessments.
We will introduce the various effects of rigid-body motion on a classical
spin system in the presence of spatially-encoding magnetic field gradients.
By accurately measuring motion with an optical tracking system and applying
real-time corrections during the MR scan, many of these unwanted motion
effects can be eliminated, resulting in images that are essentially free of
motion artifacts. Furthermore, we will discuss potential applications of
motion correction techniques to the detection (editing) of weak
spectroscopic signals in a coupled quantum-mechanical system.
(This colloquium is intended to be accessible to UH physicists in all sub-fields)