3.0T Siemens Prisma Scanner

The MRI Facility at Florida State University houses a state-of-the-art research dedicated whole-body 3.0T Siemens Prisma scanner.  The system is equipped with:

• a high-performance gradient system (80 mT/m @ 200 T/m/s simultaneously, on all three axes) with an advanced cooling system;
• New Tim 4G RF system with 48, 64 or 128 independent channels for faster imaging and higher SNR;
• 50´50´50 cm³ field of view.

In addition to the body coil, the system is equipped with 8, 32, and 64 channel head coils and a number of flexible surface coils.

Mock Scanner

The MRI facility also houses a Psychology Software Tools MRI simulator that provides a realistic approximation of an actual MRI scanner that including confined space, simulated head coil, and scanner noise. This permits investigators to train and acclimate their research participants to the scanner environment at a fraction of the cost of MRI scanner access. Simulation environments such as these have been shown to be very effective in children and other populations prone to movement in the MRI environment.

Visual Projection System

The MRI facility is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual presentation system from VPixx Technologies. The system consists of a 1920x1080 DLP projector in a MR shielded enclosure that projects high resolution images onto an in-bore screen that is viewed through a head coil mounted mirror. The system is also equipped with a VPixx supplied MR compatible sound system that permits presentation of micro-second accurate stereo audio.

Subject Response system

To complement the stimulus presentation equipment, two MRI compatible fiber-optic response gathering systems are also supplied. The first is fully integrated with the VPixx audio-visual presentation system and the second is a stand-alone system from Current Designs. Both systems are equipped with a variety of response paddles.

Stimulus Presentation Computer

A multi-boot capable computer that is connected to the audio-visual presentation and response gathering systems is provided. This system runs stimulus presentation software including E-Prime, Presentation, Matlab and Psychtoolbox, and PsychoPy. Additionally, custom developed presentation software from the PIs lab can also be run on this machine.

MRI Compatible EEG system

To facilitate true multi-modal neuroimaging, the MRI facility also includes a MRI compatible EEG system from Brain Products. This permits simultaneous acquisition of high-spatial resolution functional MRI and high-temporal resolution EEG. The MRI compatible consists of in-bore MR safe amplifiers, software that corrects for gradient and RF pules induced artifacts in the EEG signal in real-time and offline mode of operation, and a MR-safe 64-channel EEG cap.

Ancillary Facilities

Two examination rooms are available to permit participant training before the MRI session and debriefing thereafter. They are also used to permit participants to change into scrubs while they are in the MRI scanner room. A large waiting area is also provided where researchers and individuals accompanying participants (e.g., parents and/or guardians) may wait. Two dedicated parking spaces that are reserved for the exclusive use of participants and visitors the MRI facility. These are located immediately next to the facility.