Characterization of the power dependency regimes of inhomogeneous Magnetization Transfer (ihMT)

International audienceInhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) is a new MRI technique that shows promise for myelin imaging. A significant boost of the ihMT signal intensity is achievable when using a concentrated energy deposition scheme. Here we characterized the power dependency of ihMT for various energy deposition schemes (distributed vs. concentrated RF) and we identified distinct regimes with linear, sub-linear and saturated B1 dependency. This has a strong impact on the ihMT response to variable sequence configurations and on the most suitable conditions for different field strengths, e.g. to enhance sensitivity or provide immunity to B1^\textrm+ inhomogeneities