Analysis of NMR relaxation data using model tissue systems

Previously published algorithms are applied to the analysis of simulated and experimental nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation data for both T₁ and T₂ measurements. Analysis of NMR data requires the use of several different algorithms because of an inherent inability to distinguish between discrete and continuous distributions of relaxation times. The simulations are used to evaluate the algorithms´ performance when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the number and position of the data points are varied. Comparison of the different algorithms allows the SNR and number of data points required to achieve a given resolution in the spectrum. Their combined uses permits robust determination of the spectra. The results suggest that these methods have application to tissue analysis in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging