Measurement of diffusion coefficients using a quick echo split NMR imaging technique

A new method for the ultrafast generation of diffusion-weighted images is reported. The technique combines a quick echo split NMR imaging sequence with the principle of Stejskal and Tanner. It allows to determine the diffusion constant with nearly the same accuracy as the conventional spin-echo technique, requiring only a fraction of the time. The determined values for water doped with 1 g Cu(NO3)2 per liter of H2O and pure acetone were Dwater = (1.95 +/- 0.02) x 10(-9) m2/s and Dacetone = (4.05 +/- 0.02) x 10(-9) m2/s at 18.5 degrees C. They are in good agreement both with literature and our own reference measurements using a diffusion-weighted spin-echo sequence. In addition, the temperature dependence of Dwater was measured in the range of 18.5-45.9 degrees C and a good correspondence with reported data was found.