Superconducting magnets for whole body magnetic resonance imaging

Superconducting magnets have achieved preeminence in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) industry. Further growth in this market will depend on reducing system costs, extending medical applications, and easing the present siting problem. Novel magnet designs are described that address these issues. Compact magnets are economical to build and operate. Two 4-T whole-body magnets for research in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are now in operation. Active-shield magnets, by greatly reducing the magnetic fringe fields, will allow MRI systems with superconducting magnets to be located in previously inaccessible sites.<
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