Improvements to an Accessible and Flexible Spectrometer for Teaching and Research in MRI Based on the Analog...

Although MR scanners are widely available clinically, access for research and teaching can be more limited and expensive. In response a number of low-cost spectrometers, some open-source, have been reported. We have previously reported using the Digilent Analog Discovery 3 device (AD3) as a very low-cost and easily accessible MR spectrometer. Here we describe improvements to the system described last year, providing enhanced features needed for research and teaching more advanced courses. By using streaming modes, and the phase and amplitude modulation capability of the system, extended acquisition is demonstrated enabling a variety of imaging techniques, such as fast-spin echo and two-dimension spatially selective RF pulses. This work demonstrates that low-cost "lab-in-a-box" devices such as the AD3, combined with low-cost magnets, allows anyone to have the ability to explore and develop MR techniques, and should be of use in both teaching and research applications.Clinical Relevance- The very low-cost desktop MRI system provide opportunities for students of all levels to be introduced to MRI physics and pulse sequence design and be introduced to practical issues that may not be easily illustrated in simulation based teaching tools.