Magphan® Phantoms

Precision Design for Maximum Evaluation

The design criteria for the Magphan^® phantoms are based on physicist Dr. David Goodenough's extensive experience with MRI system evaluation and his well documented research into the quantification of image system performance tests.

The Magphan^®'s patented spherical design combines precise alignment of spherical geometry with cubic geometry. As magnetic field characteristics are mapped according to spherical harmonics, natural magnetic fields extend to diagonally symmetric volumes (DSVs), or spheres. This symmetry is the reason the AAPM Task Group's Report number 6a, titled "Acceptance Testing of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems" stated "The sperical shape is recommended for reasons of symmetry." Imaging performance is evaluated in the transaxial, coronal, sagittal and oblique planes by rotating the sphere.

Tests - Summary

• spatial uniformity
• signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
• spherical geometry
• in-vitro sample testing
• geometric distortion (spatial linearity)
• pixel (matrix) size verification
• scan slice width and contiguity
• verification of patient alignment system
• spatial resolution up to 11 line pairs per cm (0.45mm resolution)
• low contrast sensitivity
• T1 and T2 measurements
• evaluation of 3-dimensional volume reconstruction

Available Models

In addition to a spherical housing, the Magphan^® is also available with a cylindrical housing for test groups and manufacturers who prefer the conventional cylindrical shaped phantoms.

Spherical Magphan^® (SMR100) is a urethane sphere composed of two hemispherical shells with an inner diameter of 20cm. The shells are connected with a simple threaded flange connecting ring. The test cube assembly can be quickly removed without tools for greater imaging flexibility and easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

Cylindrical Magphan^® (SMR170) has a removable end plate for internal access. The acrylic cylinder has an outer diameter of 20cm and an inner diameter of 19cm.

For volume distortion measurements, we offer the Magphan^® Quantitative Imaging Phantom.