SBIR Phase I: Novel development of a pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner

这项小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目的重点是开发技术，以促进设计和开发价格合理、紧凑且对患者友好的磁共振成像（MRI）系统。MRI系统由于其优越的诊断能力、高分辨率和最小的副作用，是一系列成像类型的首选方式，特别是儿科。然而，传统的核磁共振体验可能会让儿童望而生畏，因为环境狭窄和嘈杂，通常导致替代方案，如使用麻醉进行核磁共振扫描或使用计算机断层扫描（CT），这会使他们暴露在高水平的电离辐射中。该项目的目标是创新新技术，开发新一代扫描仪，重点是创造儿童友好的成像体验。这些突破性的技术有可能引入新型MRI扫描仪，扩大成像市场，并使MRI系统在全球有需要的社区普及。本项目的智力优势集中在B1成像方法的发展上。虽然传统的MRI扫描仪依赖于B0梯度线圈进行空间编码，但B1线圈先前已被证明可以进行空间编码，但它们仍未得到广泛的应用和开发。这项工作的目标是证明可行性和扩展B1成像方法被称为调频rabi编码回波（又名，FREE），特别是频率编码和相位编码的FREE。FREE与其他B1成像方法相比是独一无二的，因为它对磁性缺陷具有很高的免疫力。与其他方法不同，FREE可以在高度不均匀（和廉价）的磁体中适当成像。围绕FREE构建的扫描仪将利用去除B0梯度线圈和降低磁铁均匀性所带来的成本节约。使用FREE的核磁共振扫描仪会更实惠、更紧凑、更安静。该项目将重点展示在紧凑、经济、非均匀的0.5特斯拉系统上的二维和三维成像，从而展示B1成像方法的能力。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of techniques that will facilitate the design and development of affordable, compact, and patient-friendly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. MRI systems are the preferred modality for a range of imaging types, notably pediatrics, due to their superior diagnostic capabilities, high resolution, and minimal side effects. However, traditional MRI experiences can be daunting for children due to the confined and noisy environment, often leading to alternatives such as the use of anesthesia for an MRI scan or the use of computerized tomography (CT), which exposes them to high levels of ionizing radiation. The objective of this project is to innovate novel techniques for developing a new generation of scanners, with a focus on creating child-friendly imaging experiences. These groundbreaking techniques have the potential to introduce new classes of MRI scanners, expand the imaging market, and democratize MRI systems to communities in need worldwide.The intellectual merit of this project focuses on the development of B1 imaging approaches. While traditional MRI scanners rely on B0 gradient coils for spatial encoding, B1 coils have previously been shown to spatially encode, but they remain widely under-used and under-developed. The goal of this effort is to demonstrate the viability and expand upon the B1 imaging approach known as Frequency-modulated Rabi-Encoded Echoes (aka, FREE), specifically, frequency-encoded and phase-encoded FREE. FREE is unique from other B1 imaging approaches because of its high immunity to magnetic imperfections. FREE, unlike other approaches, can appropriately image in highly inhomogeneous (and inexpensive) magnets. A scanner built around FREE would take advantage of the cost savings that come with removing B0 gradient coils and from reducing the homogeneity of a magnet. An MRI scanner utilizing FREE would be more affordable, compact, and silent. This project will focus on demonstrating two- and three-dimensional imaging on a compact, affordable, and inhomogeneous 0.5 Tesla system, thereby demonstrating the capability of B1 imaging approaches.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.