September 2, 2009
Control of Quantum Systems SeminarSpeaker: Prof. Alexej Jerschow, New York University Title: Optimally Controlling Osteoarthritis and Tumors with Spin 3/2
Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful noninvasive diagnostic method for obtaining images from human body. 23Na (S=3/2) MRI has been used for a variety of tissue and organ imaging, including the brain, cartilage, disc, breast, and kidney. With the advent of high-field MRI scanners high-resolution images can be obtained within clinically acceptable scan times. In cartilage and intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue the sodium concentration is particularly high and has been shown to be indicative of early degenerative changes. Current limitations of this methodology are the low intrinsic sensitivity af measuring low-gama nuclei and the fast relaxation processes. We descibe in this work how optimal control theory can be used to enhance 23Na MRI sensitivity, specificity, and contrast. As a result one can derive efficient radiofrequency-pulse sequences, with great diagnostic and practical potential. In a broader context, aspects of optimally controlling spins >1/2 will be discussed. For more information, please contact:
Svetlana Malinovskaya
Associate Professor
Burchard
Room 509
Phone: 201.216.8094
Fax: 201.216.5638
smalinov@stevens.edu |
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