Local Uni-Planar Gradient Array Design using Conformal Mapping and Simulated Annealing

I. INTRODUCTION Many imaging problems, such as breast lesion characterization, can require high spatial and temporal resolution. The improved gradient performance required to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution may be achieved by specially designed local gradient coils such as planar gradient inserts. We present simple and rapid method for design of flat gradient inserts to produce a high strength gradient field and a reasonably uniform imaging region. The planar gradient set is to be placed inside of the imaging bore of the magnet (within the body gradients). For cylindrical gradients, a one dimensional stream function (SF) is used to specify currents on the cylinder surface. For planar gradients, however, this becomes a more complicated two dimensional problem. In this abstract, we present the geometrical design and field map simulation for X (Left/Right) and Y (Anterior/Posterior) gradients.