Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Tecniques: Physics Principles and Applications
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the physical basic knowledge in magnetic resonance techniques: NMR relaxometry, high resolution NMR, MRI, Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia and their applications. The focus will be on biomedical applications, but also several examples on cultural heritage, energy storage and nanomaterials will be presented. Another objective of the course will be to show students the flexibility of the resonance techniques and their applicability in multidisciplinary fields of physics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student:
1) will learn the fundamental elements of magnetic resonance techniques in light of shown applications.
2) will reach a degree of independence that allow him to understand the use of resonance techniques in other applicative fields.
3) will acquire the ability to evaluate the most suitable technique (or combination of techniques) for the investigation of materials or for the final application to be pursued.
1) will learn the fundamental elements of magnetic resonance techniques in light of shown applications.
2) will reach a degree of independence that allow him to understand the use of resonance techniques in other applicative fields.
3) will acquire the ability to evaluate the most suitable technique (or combination of techniques) for the investigation of materials or for the final application to be pursued.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Main topics of the course are:
- Principles at the basis of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): the magnetic resonance, the Bloch equations, the NMR spectrum, classic and quantum description of nuclear relaxation, nuclear relaxation times T1 and T2 and acquisition sequences of NMR signal.
- Description of NMR instrumentation: NMR, unilateral NMR and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- The Magnetic Resonance Imaging: one-dimensional imaging, the k-space, the gradient-echo, three-dimensional imaging by means of space, phase and frequency encoding. Then the nuclear density, T1 and T2 weighted images will be presented, along with 2D and 3D MRI sequences.
- Different techniques for image reconstruction: the Fourier transform and k space sampling, projection and backprojection image reconstruction, Radon transform.
- Some examples of noise sources in MRI images and artifacts.
- Advanced MRI techniques: Functional MRI, Diffusion MRI, quantitative MRI, fast acquisition techniques, contrast agents.
- Nanomagnetism and its applications in medicine by means of magnetic resonance techniques.
- Materials porosimetry and surface effects using NMR (MRPM), application examples of MRPM to Cultural Heritage and energy storage cases.
- Principles at the basis of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): the magnetic resonance, the Bloch equations, the NMR spectrum, classic and quantum description of nuclear relaxation, nuclear relaxation times T1 and T2 and acquisition sequences of NMR signal.
- Description of NMR instrumentation: NMR, unilateral NMR and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- The Magnetic Resonance Imaging: one-dimensional imaging, the k-space, the gradient-echo, three-dimensional imaging by means of space, phase and frequency encoding. Then the nuclear density, T1 and T2 weighted images will be presented, along with 2D and 3D MRI sequences.
- Different techniques for image reconstruction: the Fourier transform and k space sampling, projection and backprojection image reconstruction, Radon transform.
- Some examples of noise sources in MRI images and artifacts.
- Advanced MRI techniques: Functional MRI, Diffusion MRI, quantitative MRI, fast acquisition techniques, contrast agents.
- Nanomagnetism and its applications in medicine by means of magnetic resonance techniques.
- Materials porosimetry and surface effects using NMR (MRPM), application examples of MRPM to Cultural Heritage and energy storage cases.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of electromagnetism, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
Teaching methods
Lectures (42 h). Course attendance is strongly suggested. Course is intended for Master degree students.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides, scientific papers, other sources are available at the course website on the Ariel platform.
Reference text-books:
- E.M. Haacke, R.W. Brown, M.R. Thompson, R. Venkatesan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Physical Principles and Sequence Design - ed.Wiley-Liss
- Robin A. de Graaf, In Vivo NMR Spectroscopy, Principles and Techniques (ed. John Wiley & Sons Ltd).
Reference text-books:
- E.M. Haacke, R.W. Brown, M.R. Thompson, R. Venkatesan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Physical Principles and Sequence Design - ed.Wiley-Liss
- Robin A. de Graaf, In Vivo NMR Spectroscopy, Principles and Techniques (ed. John Wiley & Sons Ltd).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam: the knowledge of Magnetic Resonance physical basis together with the comprehension of the experimental techniques presented during the course will be verified. The comprehension of the different uses of the Magnetic Resonance techniques to the scientific issues presented during the year will be also verified. The oral exam can be implemented, on student choice, with a presentation of 2 or 3 papers dealing with recent studies regarding one of the course topics.
Professor(s)