In which I attempt to describe spin...
In physics, spin is the a general term for angular momentum (it's rotation, like that of the Earth) of a particle.* In MRI we use a slightly more specific definition.
MRI Basics: What Do I Need?
In which I describe the components of an MRI scanner...
So following on from last week – other than a lot of money to pay for it all*, what do you need for an operational MRI scanner?
*Scanners are often upward of several million pounds.
A Large Magnet
In order to make a significant number of the spins in your body align in one direction a very powerful magnet is needed. The strength of these magnets is measured by a large unit called the Tesla (symbol: T). To get an appreciation of how strong that is there is another unit called the gauss which is also used to measure magnetic fields. 1 Tesla = 10,000 gauss and a normal bar magnet is around 100 gauss.
MRI Basics: What is MRI?
In which I explain the very basics of MRI...
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) allows us to detect a signal due to a fundamental quantum property of atoms - spin (which I will explain in an upcoming post). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses these same principles to obtain images of (usually) hydrogen atoms in a substance/tissue.
(N)MRI is a non-invasive, non-ionising, imaging modality and is widely used in hospitals worldwide. What does all that mean?