Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

When Placed in a static magnetic field, certain atomic nuclei assume one of two states: one has a higher energy level and other one has a lower energy level. The energy difference between the two states is linearly proportional to the strength of applied magnetic field. This is called Zeeman effect.

1. MRI is primary diagnostic tool in several clinical areas such as neurology and orthopedics.
2. MRI is uniquely flexible and dynamic.
3. MRI does not require exposure of the subject to ionizing radiation and hence is considered safe.
4. MRI provides more information than other imaging techniques because MR signals are sensitive to several tissue parameters.
5. The magnets in use today in MRI machines are in the range of 0.5 T to 2 T.
6. Today, an estimated 600 Lakhs MRI scans are performed annually to visualize patient's internal structures and diagnose a number of conditions including tumors, stroke damage, heart and brain diseases and back problems.

Reference:

Matthew N. O. Sadiku, "Principles of Electromagnetics", OXFORD University Press.

Author:

By Paramjeet Singh Jamwal, Lecturer, Guru Nanak Education Trust Group Of Institutions, Roorkee.