Simulation-based analysis of the resolution and SNR properties of partial k-space EPI

In normal Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) sequences, a long data acquisition time not only excessively attenuates the signal obtained from the sequence but also alters its resolution depending on the adjustment of the sequence. In conventional full echo mode, the image resolution is preserved because of the negative high frequency parts. However, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) is poor because of attenuation of DC components. So a new pulse sequence is designed for Gradient Echo - Echo Planar Imaging (GE-EPI) to solve this problem. Instead of starting acquisition from the maximum point in K-Space, the acquisition point is selected according to the requirement. For example, if good SNR is required than the acquisition point selected is close to zero so as to preserve the DC components. If good resolution is required than the acquisition point selected is close to the maximum negative/ positive point so as to preserve the negative/ positive high frequency. If both the SNR as well as good Resolution are required than a selection is made in between zero and maximum negative/ positive point. In this way, the acquisition point is varied to get different choices for SNR and Resolution.