Eddy-current characterization and pre-emphasis on a compact inside-out nonlinear gradient

Diffusion-weighted imaging requires strong sensitizing gradients, resulting in eddy currents that create image distortions and hinder the reliability of measured diffusion parameters. In this study, we characterize and and compensate for eddy currents on a compact inside-out nonlinear gradient using a 2D phase encoded FLASH sequence. Time series of the effective waveform was calculated from PCA of the field maps, which was then used to calculate a gradient impulse response function (GIRF). The GIRF was validated by comparing the output waveform of a simple vs pre-emphasized trapezoid. Results showed clear improvement of the pre-emphasized waveform.