Non-Cartesian k-space trajectory calculation based on concurrent reading of the gradient amplifiers' output currents.

Purpose: Non-Cartesian imaging sequences involve sampling during rapid variation of the encoding field gradients. The quality of the reconstructed images often suffers from insufficient knowledge of the exact dynamics of the actual fields applied during sampling.

Methods: We propose determination of the accurate field dynamics by measuring the currents at the gradient amplifier outputs using the amplifiers' internal sensors concurrently with imaging. The actual dynamic field evolution is then determined by convolution with the measured current-to-field impulse response function of the gradient coil. Integration of the gradient field evolution allows derivation of the k-space trajectory for reconstruction.

Results: The current-based approach is investigated in spiral and ultrashort TE phantom imaging. In comparison with the model-based product reconstruction as well as a correction approach based on the conventional input waveform-to-field impulse response function, it provides slightly improved image quality. The improvement is ascribed to a better representation of eddy current and amplifier nonlinearity effects.

Conclusion: Trajectory calculation based on measured amplifier output currents offers a robust, purely measurement-based alternative to conventional model-based approaches. The implementation can mitigate gradient amplifier imperfections with no or little additional hardware effort.