Generating spiral gradient waveforms with a compact frequency spectrum

PURPOSE: To generate efficient gradient waveforms for spiral MRI which mitigate the high-frequency attenuation inherent in gradient systems. THEORY AND METHODS: Spiral MRI has many clinical advantages, including high temporal and SNR efficiency. One of the challenges for robust spiral MRI is a high sensitivity to imperfections in the gradient system, which requires some form of correction in order to map data correctly in k-space. A previous numerical algorithm for generating spiral gradient waveforms was modified to reduce its high-frequency content with minimal increase in waveform duration. RESULTS: Examples are shown of compact frequency gradient waveforms. Software implementing the algorithm is made available. CONCLUSION: An algorithm to produce gradient waveforms with a compact frequency spectrum is described. This algorithm results in greatly reduced overall error and better compatibility with gradient systems than the original algorithm from which it was derived.