Magnetic Resonance Techniques for the Detection and Management of Human Disease Thomas Schleich , Chemistry and Biochemistry Tom Schleich's research focuses on the development, validation, and implementation of magnetic resonance based techniques for the detection and management of human acute and chronic disease states. His strategy follows a theme of theory, computer simulation, experimental validation, and application.

Current Research interests of the Schleich laboratory include the development of computer optimized slice selective RF pulses for use in MR experiments at high field. Pulse sequences under development, include excitation pulses with immunity to RF B1 inhomogeneity, and concatenated selective pulses. Potential improvements to multidimensional pulse design are also being explored. Surface coils and various surface coil arrangements are used widely in experiments at high magnetic field strengths, and knowledge of their excitation and reception fields is essential for optimal design and use. Thus, in addition to RF pulse development, computer simulation of the excitation and reception sensitivity fields for a variety of surface coil configurations, including dual surface coils (ranging from circular to square coils) and non-planar coils, driven in quadrature, are under development. Additionally, excitation and reception fields for the B1 insensitive excitation of these coils will be simulated using selected optimized RF pulses. Methods to incorporate the effects of tissue electrical properties on the excitation and reception sensitivity fields of these coils are also considered. (These studies are in collaboration with Dr. G. B. Matson and affiliated members of the Magnetic Resonance Unit, San Francisco VA Medical Center.) Other ongoing research involves the development of neural network based schemes for the identification of spectral contributions from specific metabolites in in vivo NMR spectra.