Steady state effects in fast gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging.

Fourier methodology is applied to analyze steady state effects in fast gradient echo imaging. Simulations and MR imaging experiments on phantoms demonstrate the effectiveness of existing schemes under different experimental conditions, and modifications are introduced which result in reduced sensitivity to slow object motion as compared to conventional phase modulation schemes. In addition, phase modulation schemes are introduced which more than double temporal signal stability in human brain scans, at flip angles well above the Ernst angle and TR << T1, T2. Application of phase modulation to the measurement of higher order signals shows increased sensitivity, particularly for the highest order signals.