ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic principles for the analysis and design of gradient coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. It examines the effect of the inductance of a gradient coil on its performance and the inductance compensation using a gradient driver. The chapter describes the concept of the figure of merit to measure the quality of a gradient coil. It also discusses the design of gradient coils using discrete wires. The chapter explains the design of gradient coils with a minimum inductance or power dissipation using the Lagrange multiplier method. In the design of gradient coils for MRI applications, the inductance of a gradient coil is one of the major factors that measure the quality of the coil. MRI applications the quality of a gradient coil is measured primarily by three factors: the coil efficiency, the inductance and the gradient homogeneity. The chapter concludes with a description of the design of planar gradient coils.
