Supervisor: Sune Jespersen

In this colloquium, we will explore the principles and applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a non-invasive technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the human body. After a brief overview of the historical development of MRI, from its origins in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to key advancements by figures like Isidor Rabi and Richard Ernst, we will focus on the physics behind MRI. This includes proton spin, precession, Larmor frequency, RF pulses, and both transverse and longitudinal relaxation times (T1 and T2). We will also delve into spatial encoding using magnetic field gradients, signal detection through Faraday's law, and the Fourier transform's role in image reconstruction. Finally, the presentation will highlight MRI’s clinical and research applications, including its use in diagnosing neurological and cardiovascular conditions, as well as its role in brain connectivity and drug delivery research.