Motivation: MR sequence programming is tied to vendor specific platforms and reuse and exchange of source codes is infeasible. MR sequence frameworks introduce abstraction layers for platform-independent sequence development. Goal(s): To develop a platform-independent MR sequence programming framework (Marsupial), focusing on a functional and declarative programming style, strong typing, and seamless integration into the target platform. Approach: The Nim language was chosen to create an abstraction layer, with emphasis on extensibility, type safety, and a simple functional interface. Marsupial sequences are compiled to binaries and linked to the target platform. Results: Simple sequences were developed in Marsupial and successfully executed on a clinical scanner. Impact: Marsupial will enable development of platform-independent open-source MRI sequences. Nim's concise syntax and Marsupial's design will considerably speed up the development process, making more sequences readily available to the research community.
Petrovič et al. (Tue,) studied this question.