Pulseq: A rapid and hardware-independent pulse sequence prototyping framework.
Implementing new magnetic resonance experiments, or sequences, often involves extensive programming on vendor-specific platforms, which can be time consuming and costly. This situation is exacerbated when research sequences need to be implemented on several platforms simultaneously, for example, at different field strengths. This work presents an alternative programming environment that is hardware-independent, open-source, and promotes rapid sequence prototyping.



A novel file format is described to efficiently store the hardware events and timing information required for an MR pulse sequence. Platform-dependent interpreter modules convert the file to appropriate instructions to run the sequence on MR hardware. Sequences can be designed in high-level languages, such as MATLAB, or with a graphical interface. Spin physics simulation tools are incorporated into the framework, allowing for comparison between real and virtual experiments.



Minimal effort is required to implement relatively advanced sequences using the tools provided. Sequences are executed on three different MR platforms, demonstrating the flexibility of the approach.



A high-level, flexible and hardware-independent approach to sequence programming is ideal for the rapid development of new sequences. The framework is currently not suitable for large patient studies or routine scanning although this would be possible with deeper integration into existing workflows. Magn Reson Med 77:1544-1552, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Kelvin J
KJ
Layton
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Stefan
S
Kroboth
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Feng
F
Jia
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Sebastian
0000-0002-8190-1761
S
Littin
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Huijun
H
Yu
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Jochen
J
Leupold
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Jon-Fredrik
JF
Nielsen
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, NRW, Germany.
Tony
T
Stöcker
Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, BW, Germany.
Maxim
M
Zaitsev
D004867:Equipment Design; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012984:Software
Pulseq; open-source; platform independent; pulse sequence programming; rapid development