What does receiver bandwidth define in MRI technology?

Receiver bandwidth in MRI technology is crucial as it defines the frequency range of signals that the MRI system can detect during an acquisition. A narrower receiver bandwidth means that the system is more selective about which frequencies it collects, resulting in longer scan times. Conversely, a wider bandwidth allows the system to collect data more quickly, but can potentially lead to more noise in the images. The bandwidth essentially influences how much of the signal is captured, affecting both image quality and the time required for the scan.

The correct answer indicates that the receiver bandwidth is directly related to the temporal aspect of signal collection, which ultimately impacts image acquisition times and the overall quality of the images produced. Thus, understanding receiver bandwidth is fundamental for optimizing MRI protocols and ensuring good image quality whilst minimizing scan duration.