A phase-sensitive method of flip angle mapping.

A radiofrequency (RF) excitation scheme is presented in which flip angle is encoded in the phase of the resulting excitation. This excitation is implemented with nonselective hard pulses, and is used to give flip angle maps over three-dimensional volumes. This phase-sensitive B1 mapping excitation can be combined with various acquisition methods such as gradient recalled echo (GRE) and echo-planar (EP) readouts. Imaging time depends primarily on the readout method, and is roughly equivalent to the imaging time of conventional double-angle techniques for three-dimensional acquisition. The phase-sensitive method allows imaging over a much wider range of flip angles than double-angle methods. Phantom and in vivo results are presented comparing the phase-sensitive method with the conventional double-angle method, demonstrating the ability of the phase-sensitive method to measure a wider range of flip angles than double-angle methods. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.