Large dynamic range relative [Formula: see text] mapping

PURPOSE: Parallel transmission (PTx) requires knowledge of the [Formula: see text] produced by each element. However, [Formula: see text] mapping can be challenging when transmit fields exhibit large dynamic range. This study presents a method to produce high quality relative [Formula: see text] maps when this is the case. THEORY AND METHODS: The proposed technique involves the acquisition of spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) images at multiple radiofrequency drive levels for each transmitter. The images are combined using knowledge of the SPGR signal equation using maximum likelihood estimation, yielding an image for each channel whose signal is proportional to the [Formula: see text] field strength. Relative [Formula: see text] maps are then obtained by taking image ratios. The method was tested using numerical simulations, phantom imaging, and through in vivo experiments. RESULTS: The numerical simulations demonstrated that the proposed method can reconstruct relative transmit sensitivities over a wide range of [Formula: see text] amplitudes and at several SNR levels. The method was validated at 3 Tesla (T) by comparing it with an alternative [Formula: see text] mapping method, and demonstrated in vivo at 7T. CONCLUSION: Relative [Formula: see text] mapping in the presence of large dynamic range has been demonstrated through numerical simulations, phantom imaging at 3T and experimentally at 7T. The method will enable PTx to be applied in challenging imaging scenarios at ultrahigh field. Magn Reson Med 76:490–499, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.