(SVS) This method maps the metabolic information from the VOI in a spectrum. Single volume techniques are advantageous in case of pathological changes that cannot spatially be limited to a few VOI; by using local volume sensitive shim the local magnetic field inhomogeneity can be compensated.

(T2 Star) The characteristic time constant that describes the decay of transverse magnetization, taking into account the inhomogeneity in static magnetic fields and the spin spin relaxation in the human body. This results in a rapid loss of phase coherence and the MRI signal. The T2* time is always less than the T2 time.

1) Fidelity of response, e.g. of magnetic field gradients or the RF system, to input. The output of a linear system is directly proportional to its input.
2) Spatial uniformity of the magnetic field gradient over the imaging volume. Because of eddy current effects, static and dynamic linearity have to be distinguished. Both together with the magnet homogeneity determine the geometrical correctness of the images.

A coil is a large inductor with a considerable dimension and a defined wavelength, commonly used in configurations for MR imaging. The frequency of the radio frequency coil is defined by the Larmor relationship.
The MRI image quality depends on the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the acquired signal from the patient. Several MR imaging coils are necessary to handle the diversity of applications. Large coils have a large measurement field, but low signal intensity and vice versa (see also coil diameter). The closer the coil to the object, the stronger the signal - the smaller the volume, the higher the SNR. SNR is very important in obtaining clear images of the human body. The shape of the coil depends on the image sampling. The best available homogeneity can be reached by choice of the appropriate coil type and correct coil positioning. Orientation is critical to the sensitivity of the RF coil and therefore the coil should be perpendicular to the static magnetic field.

RF coils can be differentiated by there function into three general categories:
The RF signal is in the range of 10 to 100 MHz. During a typical set of clinical image measurements, the entire frequency spectrum of interest is of the order 10 kHz, which is an extremely narrow band, considering that the center frequency is about 100 MHz. This allows the use of single-frequency matching techniques for coils because their inherent bandwidth always exceeds the image bandwidth. The multi turn solenoid, bird cage coil, single turn solenoid, and saddle coil are typically operated as the transmitter and receiver of RF energy. The surface and phased array coils are typically operated as a receive only coil.

See also the related poll result: '3rd party coils are better than the original manufacturer coils'

A RF coil, often a transmit receive coil with a number of wires running along the z-direction, arranged to give a cosine current variation around the circumference of the coil, which looks like a bird cage. The bird cage coil works on a different principle to conventionally tuned local and surround coils in that it behaves like a tuned transmission line with one complete cycle of standing wave around the circumference. The frequency supply is generated by an oscillator, which is modulated to form a shaped pulse by a product detector controlled by the waveform generator. The signal must be amplified to 1000's of watts. This can be done using either solid state electronics, valves or a combination of both.
The bird cage coil design provides the best field homogeneity of all RF imaging coils.
One advantage is that it is simple to produce an exceedingly uniform B1 radio frequency field over most of the coil's volume, with the result of images with a high degree of uniformity.
A second advantage is that nodes with zero voltage occur 90° away from the driven part of the coil, thus facilitating the introduction of a second signal in quadrature, which produces a circularly polarized radio frequency field.
This type of volume coil is used for brain (head) MRI, or MR imaging of joints, such as the wrist or knees.

See also the related poll result: '3rd party coils are better than the original manufacturer coils'