[Development of a linear stage compatible for magnetic resonance imaging systems]

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Devices

Context:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems require precise component control for accurate imaging and equipment evaluation.
• Existing methods for controlling micromotion within MRI environments face limitations due to magnetic field interference and space constraints.

Purpose:

• To develop and validate a novel linear stage designed for compatibility with MRI systems.
• To assess the accuracy and precision of the developed linear stage for micromotion control within a 1.5 T magnetic field.
• To compare the performance of slice selection using the linear stage with conventional radio frequency (RF) offset methods.

Summary:

• A linear stage constructed from acrylic plastic and powered by an ultrasonic motor was engineered for MRI compatibility.
• Movement distance was monitored using an optic fiber sensor, and accuracy/precision were verified using a micrometer and laser distance meter, achieving >95% for movements >0.3 mm in a 1.5 T field.
• Slice sensitivity profile (SSP) measurements demonstrated good agreement between the linear stage and RF offset methods, validating its utility for slice selection.

Impact:

• Enables precise performance evaluation of MRI equipment requiring controlled micromotion.
• Offers a reliable tool for advanced MRI applications, potentially improving image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
• Facilitates research and development in MRI technology by providing a validated component for controlled spatial manipulation.