Design of a nonlinear double-breast single-axis gradient coil with controlled anterior–posterior gradient variation for diffusion-weighted imaging

Jia, Feng, Arends, Gerrit C., Amrein, Philipp, Versteeg, Edwin, Klomp, Dennis W. J., Zaitsev, Maxim, Tax, Chantal M. W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7480-8817 and Littin, Sebastian 2026. Design of a nonlinear double-breast single-axis gradient coil with controlled anterior–posterior gradient variation for diffusion-weighted imaging. Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine 10.1007/s10334-026-01420-0

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Abstract

Introduction High-performance whole-body gradient systems show promise for breast diffusion-weighted imaging, but their performance is constrained by physiological limits. Although local nonlinear gradient coils can provide stronger gradients while remaining within these limits, they often exhibit a substantial reduction in the gradient amplitude of the z-component of the magnetic field near the chest wall. Methods We introduced an optimization framework incorporating a constraint on the anterior–posterior variation in the encoding gradient amplitude. A figure of merit combining coil efficiency and minimum wire width was defined to assess performance. A prototype was constructed to validate the design methodology. Results The optimized coil achieved a 2.35-fold efficiency increase over standard linear coils. Compared to previous nonlinear designs, the new constraint reduced spatial variation by 35.7% and improved minimum efficiency near the chest wall by 2.6-fold. Experimental field maps matched simulations with errors under 8%. Discussion The proposed method effectively mitigates the trade-off between gradient strength and spatial uniformity along anterior–posterior direction. By enhancing performance in the posterior breast region, the design addresses a critical limitation of previous local coils. Conclusion This framework enables the development of high-performance, robust local gradient coils, facilitating the clinical implementation of advanced DWI protocols for breast cancer screening.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Physical, Chemical & Environmental Sciences Schools > Physics and Astronomy
Publisher:	Springer
ISSN:	1352-8661
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 September 2026
Date of Acceptance:	24 August 2026
Last Modified:	21 Sep 2026 10:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189721

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