Welcome to EPISODE 2 of THE PHYSICS PODCAST from RADIOLOGY JAM - How we use magnets to create an image (part 1)

Today we are packing in a lot of important concepts that are crucial for understanding how magnets are used to generate an electric signal from the human body. The signal generated is then encoded and decoded to create an image, which we cover in Episode 3. The extremely complex subject matter (quantum physics no less! ) that are covered in this episode are the essential building blocks of MR physics. It is heavy, but has been simplified down by the amazing medical physicist Joely Smith so even I can understand it!  Below are timestamps for the episode so you can skip straight into the subjects you find most challenging and as always we recommend dipping in and out of the episode and taking your time. Listen on your commute, while your cleaning the kitchen or watering the plants! :) 

TIMESTAMPS:

1:51 Recap Episode 1

3:39 : Hydrogen/NMR

5:40 B0/ Z axis

7:43 Spin up/spin down

9:51 The vector M

12:34 Precession in the transverse plane 

14:08 Signal creation 

16:17 Coherence

17:25 Lamour frequency in B0

18:50 RF pulse (B1)

20:05 Free induction decay

27:11 ** musical Interlude**// coffee break

27:20 Recap 

28:11 Introduction to Relaxation

28:45 Longitudinal relaxation (spin-lattice/T1)

30:12 Transverse relaxation (spin-spin/T2)

31:37 Relaxation aide memoir

32:51 T1 recovery vs. T2 decay 

36:43 Ramblings of a hungry radiologist

The FRCR Part 1 physics exam can be challenging for those new to radiology and medical physics. The aim of THE PHYSICS PODCAST by RADIOLOGY JAM is to cut through the jargon and ask those questions you wish you had!  We are starting with the hardest topic first, the one that candidates find most challenging... MRI! To save us from the MRI spiral of doom is Medical Physicist Extraordinaire Joely Smith.

Joely Smith is an MR Physicist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and an Honorary Lecturer at Imperial College London. The team at Radiology Jam are so excited to welcome Joely, who manages to make complex concepts into digestible little nuggets with a sprinkle of fun! Join us! We promise you won’t be bored!

If there’s anything you want to be covered, let us know!  Send in your questions on Twitter @JamRadiology or email us at radiologyjampodcasts@gmail.com

Disclaimer:  At Radiology Jam we offer, among other things, a review of the best available literature necessary to pass the FRCR exam. This podcast is not a substitute for buying and reading that literature but is intended to supplement the best resources on the market. We hope to assist with the digestion of the huge volume of information needed to pass the FRCR. Nothing published by Radiology Jam can or should be taken as medical advice. While best efforts have been taken to ensure that content is accurate and complete at the time of production, it is not guaranteed by Radiology Jam. We welcome comments, corrections and suggestions, however, no liability is accepted for any loss whatsoever resulting from any inaccuracy.