MR imaging with phase encoding of intermolecular multiple quantum coherences

Novel 2D and 3D pulse sequences producing images through the phase encoding of intermolecular multiple quantum coherences (i-MQCs) are presented. The signal acquired with these sequences is free from intermolecular zero quantum coherences (i-ZQCs) which are not phase encoded and additional phase cycling eliminates artifacts. Phase encoding during the n-quantum evolution period provides n times the resolution expected from equivalent phase encoding of the reconverted single quantum coherences. These sequences have potential applications for producing i-MQC images of biological tissues as well as nonbiological materials with substantial amounts of water. (C) 2001 Academic Press.