Dynamic shim updating (DSU) for multislice signal acquisition

Dynamic shim updating (DSU) is a technique for achieving optimal magnetic field homogeneity over extended volumes by dynamically updating an optimal shim setting for each individual slice in a multislice acquisition protocol. Here the practical implementation of DSU using all first- and second-order shims is described. In particular, the hardware modifications and software requirements are demonstrated. Furthermore, the temporal effects of dynamically switching shim currents are investigated and a Z(2)-to-Z(0) compensation unit is described and implemented to counteract the temporal Z(0) variations following a change in the Z(2) shim current. The optimal shim settings for all slices are determined with a quantitative and user-independent, multislice phase-mapping sequence. The performance of DSU is evaluated from multislice phase maps and spectroscopic images acquired on rat brain in vivo. DSU improved the magnetic field homogeneity over all spatial slices, with a more pronounced effect on the slices positioned away from the magnet isocenter, thereby making the magnetic field homogeneity highly uniform over an extended volume. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.