An estimation method of MR signal parameters for improved image reconstruction in unilateral scanner

Abstract

Unilateral NMR devices are used in various applications including non-destructive testing and well logging, but are not used routinely for imaging. This is mainly due to the inhomogeneous magnetic field (B0) in these scanners. This inhomogeneity results in low sensitivity and further forces the use of the slow single point imaging scan scheme. Improving the measurement sensitivity is therefore an important factor as it can improve image quality and reduce imaging times. Short imaging times can facilitate the use of this affordable and portable technology for various imaging applications. This work presents a statistical signal-processing method, designed to fit the unique characteristics of imaging with a unilateral device. The method improves the imaging capabilities by improving the extraction of image information from the noisy data. This is done by the use of redundancy in the acquired MR signal and by the use of the noise characteristics. Both types of data were incorporated into a Weighted Least Squares estimation approach. The method performance was evaluated with a series of imaging acquisitions applied on phantoms. Images were extracted from each measurement with the proposed method and were compared to the conventional image reconstruction. All measurements showed a significant improvement in image quality based on the MSE criterion - with respect to gold standard reference images. An integration of this method with further improvements may lead to a prominent reduction in imaging times aiding the use of such scanners in imaging application.

Keywords: Estimation; Image reconstruction; Least squares; NMR MOUSE; Portable NMR; Single Point Imaging; Single-sided NMR; Unilateral NMR.