Patent ID: 6977503
Filing Date: 2005-12-20
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising: a control unit; a magnet assembly having a first surface and providing a static magnetic field parallel to said first surface; said magnet assembly providing a plurality of substantially flat surfaces of constant static magnetic field substantially parallel to said first surface of said magnet assembly, said static magnetic field surfaces presenting monotonically decreasing field magnitudes for successive distances from said magnet assembly; a radio frequency (RF) unit coupled to said control unit to provide an RF excitation field intersecting said static magnetic field outside said magnet assembly; said magnet assembly static magnetic field and said RF unit excitation field providing a sensitive volume adjacent to said first surface of said magnet assembly, said substantially flat surfaces of constant static magnetic field being in the sensitive volume; a variable frequency RF circuit for driving said RF unit; a set of magnetic field gradient elements coupled to said control unit and configured to scan an RF signal across said flat surfaces; RF receiving means to acquire magnetic resonance signals from a sample in said sensitive volume; and imaging means to process the received signals and present the output of said MRI apparatus.