MRICOM-MRI COntrast Modelling using 2D T1-T2 correlation spectra and relaxation signatures.

Image contrast is calculated by inputting experimental 2D T(1)-T(2) relaxation spectra into the ODIN software interface. The method involves characterising a magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence with a "relaxation signature" which describes the sensitivity of the sequence to relaxation and is independent of sample parameters. Maximising (or minimising) the overlap between the experimental 2D T(1)-T(2) relaxation spectra and the relaxation signature can then be used to maximise image contrast. The concept is illustrated using relaxation signatures for the echo planar imaging and Turbo spin-echo imaging sequences, together with in-vitro 2D T(1)-T(2) spectra for liver and cartilage.