GENERATION OF DEPTH-PERCEPTION INFORMATION IN STEREOSCOPIC NUCLEAR-MAGNETIC-RESONANCE IMAGING BY NONLINEAR MAGNETIC-FIELD GRADIENTS

Stereoscopic NMR images have been produced in the past. However, becau se of the gradients are linear, only isometric projections can be prod uced, i,e., they do not carry correct depth-perception information. Th e resulting stereoscopic image will not have correct relative sizes at different depths. This paper gives an analysis of what perception inf ormation is needed and shows that it can be produced by a non-linear m agnetic field gradient. The concept is exemplified by simulations and its implementation is demonstrated successfully tay experiments. The d epth-encoding gradient can be generated by static steel pieces or by c urrent loops, The procedure can be incorporated into any existing hard ware and pulse sequences, and has potential application in surgery. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.