Torres, Efrain2023-11-302023-11-302023-09https://hdl.handle.net/11299/258897University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. September 2023. Major: Biomedical Engineering. Advisor: Michael Garwood. 1 computer file (PDF); x, 113 pages.Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a seminal tool in modern medicine, but its high cost and complexity drastically limits its availability. MRI systems only serve approximately 10 percent of the population. A need exists to develop affordable, accessible, and clinically valuable technology. This thesis work is focused on developing technology that could make MRI systems more readily available. First, we explored the use of a 0.5 T Halbach magnet, which is a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to traditional magnets. We successfully demonstrate how simple radiofrequency coils and adiabatic pulses can compensate for large magnetic imperfections often found in Halbach magnets. To demonstrate its clinical utility, an R1 relaxometry study was performed on 19F oxygen-probes that were implanted in tissue-engineered grafts. Second, we challenge the conventional use of B1 coils. Traditionally B1 coils are only used for spin tipping. We propose and demonstrate a novel approach that enables B1 coils to not only tip spins but also encode spatial information. This advance could eliminate the need for costly, complex, and noisy B0 gradient coils altogether, setting the stage for a new generation of MRI systems based solely on B1 encoding. This thesis work aims to democratize MRI by leveraging affordable Halbach magnets and innovative B1 encoding techniques. Our hope is that these advancements will lead to a redesign of MRI systems, making this life-saving technology much more accessible to under-served communities.enB1 encodingLow cost MRIRF ImagingThesis or Dissertation