Magnetization transfer by simple sequences of rectangular pulses

Abstract
On-resonant radio frequency (RF) sequences composed of a train of short rectangular pulses of the same kind were optimized in order to obtain selective saturation of protons with short transverse relaxation times for magnetization transfer purposes. It is demonstrated that the sequences regarded allow a good adaptation to different requirements for magnetization transfer examinations on whole-body imagers. The sequences presented here provide relatively strong saturation of protons with very short transverse relaxation timesT 2≲50 µs, whereas signals from protons with longT 2 to be recorded are hardly influenced in a broad frequency range. The sequences are especially advantageous for applications in pulse files with limited numbers of support points.