3T MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool and is widely used in neuroimaging owing to its non-invasive nature and high sensitivity to brain activation. The workhorse of present-day cognitive neuroimaging research, the 3T MRI scanner provides excellent image quality for routine data collection to study activation of the brain, as well as its anatomical structure and metabolism. Additionally, the Spinoza Centre houses an integrated recording system that registers several important physiological parameters into the standard workflow.

Scanning protocols include methods for

• measuring brain activation
• (quantitative) anatomical imaging
• probing white matter structure (using diffusion-weighted imaging)
• neurochemical profiling (using proton spectroscopy)

Equipment for monitoring additional processes during scanning includes

• cardiac and respiratory cycles
• eye movements and eye tracking
• skin conductance

Advanced stimulus presentation and behavioural recording is possible with

• Cambridge Research Systems BOLDscreen 32 inch LCD for visual presentation
• fORP optical manual response system, buttons and joystick
• MR confon audio system
• electrical current stimulation
• 256-channel MRI compatible EEG system

Main technical specifications of the MRI

• Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX
• Digital broadband architecture; digitizes the signal right in the coil.
• Dual transmit parallel RF transmission technology
• multiband SENSE (simultaneous multislice imaging) and compressed SENSE acceleration available
• Max gradient strength: 40 mT/m
• Max gradient slew rate: 200 mT/m/ms
• 32 and 8 channel receive head coils
• Bore diameter: 60 cm
• Field-of-view (in head-feet direction): 45 cm