Local T2 distribution measurements with DANTE-Z slice selection

A CPMG pulse sequence incorporated with a DANTE-Z slice selection scheme for measuring spatially-resolved T(2) distributions has been presented. The DANTE-Z pulse train with sinc-modulated pulses selects a single, quasi-rectangular slice of less than 0.8 cm wide at an arbitrary position over a 6-cm long sample. The measured T(2) distributions are of almost the same quality as regular (bulk) CPMG measurements, with the lower T(2) limit being as good as c.a. 0.5 ms. The sequence can be found useful as a supplement or alternative to MRI-based techniques for T(2) mapping in short relaxation time samples (water-saturated rocks, building materials, wood, food products, rubbers, etc.), particularly when T(2) is required to be measured at only few positions along the sample and the resolution of ~1 cm is acceptable.