Evaluation of gradient inhomogeneity in the optimal design of gradient coils

The image distortion caused by gradient inhomogeneity was derived from the image equation of Fourier MR imaging. A measurement of gradient inhomogeneity was proposed based on the amount of image distortion. Using the proposed measurement of gradient inhomogeneity in the optimal design of a z-gradient coil reduced image distortion by 39–45% compared to a previously used figure of merit in gradient coil design.