MRI Spin Physics, Relaxation Theory, and Contrast Mechanisms

This course covers fundamental principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) focusing on the analytic tools needed to understand interactions among nuclear spins, relaxation processes, and image contrast. Starting from a quantum mechanical description of NMR, we'll study J-coupling, the most mathematically tractable coupling mechanism, and its fundamental importance in MRS. Next, we will extend these concepts to develop NMR relaxation theory, which provides the foundation for analyzing multiple in vivo MRI contrast mechanisms and contrast agents.