Direct comparison of gradient Fidelity and acoustic noise of the same MRI system at 3 T and 0.75 T

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the difference between gradient fidelity and acoustic noise of the same MRI scanner operated at product field strength (3 T) and lower field strength (0.75 T). Methods: Gradient modulation transfer functions (GMTFs) were measured using a four-slice 2D phase-encoded chirp-based sequence on the same scanner operated at 3 T and, following ramp-down, at 0.75 T with identical gradient specifications (40 mT/m, 200 T/m/s). Calibrated audio measurements were performed at both field strengths to correlate audio spectra with GMTFs. Results: While eddy currents were independent of field strength, mechanical resonances were substantially decreased at lower field, resulting in a reduction of GMTF distortions by up to 95% (88% on average) at the mechanical resonances of the gradient system. Audio spectra amplitudes were reduced by up to 87% when comparing 0.75 T versus 3 T. Conclusion: Lower static fields lead to reduced Lorentz forces on the gradient coil and, in turn, to reduced mechanical resonances, thereby improving gradient fidelity. Simultaneously, the reduction of acoustic noise may help to improve patient comfort.