A field map estimation strategy without the noise-bandwidth tradeoff

We propose a joint acquisition-processing solution to the problem of field map estimation. Our acquisition method captures data at three echo times carefully chosen to yield optimal field map estimation using the corresponding algorithm. We show that, over an arbitrary spectral range of inhomogeneity values, our method is not subject to the traditional noise-bandwidth tradeoff. The resulting implications include: improved robustness, enhanced spectral estimation and eliminating the need for spatial phase unwrapping. Our simulations show factors of improvement in the quality of field map estimates, as compared to existing methods. Our phantom data confirms these impressive gains.