Experimental analysis of T1 imaging with a single-scan, multiple-point, inversion-recovery technique

Look and Locker's single-scan, multiple-point, T1 determination technique modified for imaging applications was evaluated experimentally for its accuracy and reliability with respect to the pulse sequence parameters, in particular, to the interpulse delay, tD, and the tip angle, alpha. T1 imaging experiments were performed with a 0.5-T imaging system on a phantom which consisted of an array of vials containing 2% agarose gels doped with various amount of Mn2+ using different combinations of the parameter set (tD, alpha). T1 results obtained with this technique were compared with those measured by a conventional inversion-recovery procedure using the same spectrometer. Strategic choice of pulse sequence parameters to minimize experimental errors and the criteria for these choices will be discussed.