skope™-fx

skope-fx

skope-fx is the software at the heart of field monitoring. It enables the collection and analysis of dynamic field data for field monitored image reconstruction and MR methods development. It gives users the tools they need to effortlessly acquire, analyze and utilize field monitoring data in MR and neuroimaging research.

Acquisition Setup

skope-fx provides simple yet comprehensive control over the acquisition parameters of the field monitoring measurement enabling high degree of customization. The acquisition parameters can be set manually by the user or automatically by the MR scanner if the Measurement Automation Interface option is added. The latter approach eliminates potential user errors and further simplifies usability.

Acquisition parameters can be set in the panel on the left. The field probe data, resulting from the acquisitions, is displayed in the viewer on the top whereas the bottom panel shows the k-space trajectory segment derived from the field probe data.

Data Visualization

The acquired field probe data is processed in skope-fx and the fitting of spherical harmonics is carried out yielding further data types such as k, higher order k, parametric k, Bfit, and Gfit which can be displayed for inspection and saved for later use. Displaying the measured gradient waveforms and k-space trajectories in skope-fx offers a simple and fast framework for pulse sequence design and debugging since the expected behavior can easily be verified.

Measured gradient waveforms of a segmented spiral readout. The corresponding k-space trajectory is displayed in the bottom panel. The correct pulse sequence behavior is easily verified thereby facilitating rapid pulse sequence design and debugging.

skope-fx also provides the option to display higher order k terms which are responsible for a large part of image distortions.

First line of an EPI train readout and the induced higher order k terms displayed in the top and bottom panels respectively.

System Characterization

Inspecting actual pulse sequence behavior is an optimal tool for characterizing MR systems as well as pulse sequences. Coupling between hardware parts can lead to a plethora of image artefacts which oftentimes worsen throughout subsequent repetitions. Knowing the source of these errors provides essential information for optimized protocol design.

A) Pulse sequence errors accumulating throughout repetitions in a balanced steady-state free precession sequence. The error amplification eventually leadled to banding artefacts rendering images unusable. This behavior was easily traced down in skope-fx. B) Distortions to EPI train readout, originating from coupling between gradient and 3rd order shim coils, lead to image artefacts detected in skope-fx.

Other Products