First hybrid MPI-MRI imaging system as integrated design for mice and rats: Description of the instrumentation setup

This hybrid MPI-MRI imaging system (see Fig. 1 RIGHT) is currently under assembly at the research labs of Bruker BioSpin MRI GmbH, whereas single components were already tested. The magnetic field strength and the magnetic field gradient were measured to be up to _Bz=0.495 T and up to G_z=2.2 T/m for the PF and the SF, respectively (see Fig. 1 LEFT). The MRI gradient strengths were determined to be G_x=0.84 mT/A/m, G_y=0.9 mT/A/m, G_z=0.87 mT/A/m (I_max=300 A) and the MRI RF coil was tuned to the Larmor frequency of protons at 0.495 T. The DF resonant circuits were tuned to excitation frequencies of around 25 kHz. With expected maximal DF amplitude of 20 mT and the strongest SF gradient strength a field of view of 18×36×36 mm³ could be reached.