How do you calculate the slew rate in an MRI system?

The calculation of the slew rate in an MRI system is determined by dividing the maximum gradient by the rise time. The slew rate is an important parameter that describes how quickly the gradient fields can change during operation. It is expressed in units of mT/m/ms (millitesla per meter per millisecond), indicating the speed at which the magnetic field can be changed.

The maximum gradient represents the peak value of the magnetic field strength that can be achieved, while the rise time indicates how quickly the system can reach that peak from zero. By dividing the maximum gradient by the rise time, you effectively determine the rate of change, which is the definition of slew rate.

This relationship captures the dynamic capabilities of the MRI system, as a higher slew rate allows for faster imaging techniques, such as rapid sequence acquisitions, which are essential for high-resolution imaging and minimizing motion artifacts.