Preliminary experimental evaluation of an inverse source imaging procedure using a decoupled coil detector array in magnetic resonance imaging.

Recently, we have discussed several of the aspects involved in the detector array concept in magnetic resonance imaging where an image is obtained by applying inverse source procedures to the data assembled by an array of coil detectors surrounding the object. In this work we describe an experimental setup, where a detector array was constructed of 9 coils, that gives a coarse resolution of 3 x 3 pixels. By measuring the induced current signals over this array of coils, a relationship is established between the set of signals and the structure of the body under investigation. Through matrix inversion, reconstruction of the original source from the detected signals is possible. In this preliminary experimental setup, we did not use an actual nuclear magnetic resonance signal. Instead, a miniature solenoid was used as a source, to simulate a precessing magnetic moment.