Knowing how to run an MRI protocol is useful. Understanding why the protocol works, what to change when an image fails, and how to keep every patient safe is what builds real confidence at the scanner.
Basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging takes you from the fundamental behavior of hydrogen nuclei to the practical decisions MRI technologists make every day. Designed for students, developing technologists, and working imaging professionals, it connects physics directly to image quality, safety, equipment, patient care, and clinical practice.
Inside, you'll learn to:
• Build MRI physics from the ground up, including nuclear spin, precession, the Larmor equation, net magnetization, resonance, and relaxation.
• Understand T1, T2, and T2* and see exactly how TR, TE, and flip angle create image contrast.
• Master spatial encoding and k-space, including gradients, phase encoding, frequency encoding, Fourier reconstruction, and k-space trajectories.
• Understand major pulse sequences, from spin echo and gradient echo to FLAIR, STIR, EPI, diffusion imaging, DTI, and MR angiography.
• Optimize image quality by balancing field of view, matrix, slice thickness, bandwidth, NEX, SNR, CNR, and scan time.
• Recognize and troubleshoot artifacts, including motion, aliasing, chemical shift, susceptibility, zipper, and herringbone artifacts.
• Understand MRI hardware and quality control, including magnets, coils, gradients, shimming, cryogenics, and routine QC.
• Strengthen MRI safety and patient-care knowledge, including safety zones, screening, implants, gadolinium, emergency procedures, positioning, and special populations.
• Explore modern MRI practice, from 0.55T and 7T systems to AI reconstruction, portable MRI, and evolving clinical workflows.
The book deliberately teaches physics in dependency order rather than asking you to memorize protocols without understanding what sits underneath them.
Build the knowledge that lets you move from following MRI protocols to understanding and troubleshooting them with confidence.