Magnetic resonance imaging - A new characterization technique for advanced ceramics

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, also called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can provide sectional (planar) images from three-dimensional objects. Planar images taken in series can be summed to produce a three-dimensional image of the object. However, unlike most x-ray computed tomography (CT) machines, in which moving parts are used, MRI has no moving parts. It operates by rapid electronic switching of magnetic coils and pulsed radio frequency (rf) transceiver coils. The basic concept of the magnetic resonance phenomenon is reviewed in this paper.