SPICY: a method for single scan rotating frame relaxometry

T ₁ is an NMR relaxation mode that is sensitive to low frequency molecular motions, making it an especially valuable tool in biomolecular research. Here, we introduce a new method, SPICY, for measuring T₁ relaxation times. In contrast to conventional T₁ experiments, in which the sequence is repeated many times to determine the T₁ time, the SPICY sequence allows determination of T₁ within a single scan, shortening the experiment time remarkably. We demonstrate the method using ¹H T₁ relaxation dispersion experiments. Additionally, we combine the sequence with spatial encoding to produce 1D images in a single scan. We show that T₁ relaxation times obtained using the single scan approach are in good agreement with those obtained using the traditional experiments.