Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) k-space trajectories are needed to acquire volumetric images in MRI. While scan time is determined by the trajectory efficiency, image quality and distortions depend on the shape of the trajectories. There are several 3D trajectory strategies for sampling the k-space using rectilinear or curve schemes. Since there is no evidence about their optimality in terms of image quality and acquisition time, a new design method based on missile guidance ideas is explored. Since air-to-air missile guidance shares similar goals and constraints with the problem of k-space trajectory design, a control approach for missiles is used to design a 3D trajectory. The k-space is divided into small cubes, and each one is treated as a target to be sampled. The main goal is to cover the entire space as quickly and efficiently as possible, with good performance under different conditions. This novel design method is compared to other trajectories using simulated and real data. As an example, a trajectory that requires 0.11 times the number of shots needed by the cylindrical 3DFT acquisition was designed. This trajectory requires more shots (1.66 times) than the stack of spirals, but behaves better under nonideal conditions, such as off-resonance and motion. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.