SPICY: a method for single scan rotating frame relaxometry

Abstract

T 1ρ 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 T1ρ relaxation times. In contrast to conventional T1ρ experiments, in which the sequence is repeated many times to determine the T1ρ time, the SPICY sequence allows determination of T1ρ within a single scan, shortening the experiment time remarkably. We demonstrate the method using 1H T1ρ relaxation dispersion experiments. Additionally, we combine the sequence with spatial encoding to produce 1D images in a single scan. We show that T1ρ relaxation times obtained using the single scan approach are in good agreement with those obtained using the traditional experiments.