In this work, we present a new torque-free asymmetric gradient coil th
at is capable of generating high quality axial, sagittal, and coronal
echo planar images of the human head. This gradient set was calculated
using the Biot-Savart law and least square approaches to optimize the
field in the region of interest and to minimize net torques. The resu
lting structure has excellent shoulder-to-coil clearance and, as such,
has the advantage of providing good patient access to the linear port
ion of the gradient while minimizing patient discomfort from claustrop
hobia.