K-space mri questions

1. What does k-space do in MRI?
2. Why is the Centre of k-space usually the brightest?
3. Which area of k-space contributes to image resolution?

What does k-space do in MRI?

The k-space is an extension of the concept of Fourier space well known in MR imaging. The k-space represents the spatial frequency information in two or three dimensions of an object. The k-space is defined by the space covered by the phase and frequency encoding data.

Why is the Centre of k-space usually the brightest?

There are two reasons the central area of k-space is the brightest. First, the central row (ky = 0) is acquired with no phase-encoding gradient (and hence no destructive wave interference caused by phase-encoding steps). Secondly, the central column of k-space (kx = 0) coincides with the peak of the MR echo.

Which area of k-space contributes to image resolution?

As discussed in Chapter I-5, the central peaks of both k-space and any given echo contribute predominantly to defining image contrast, while the periphery of k-space (or, in the case of an echo, the peripheral ripples) contain high-resolution information about fine details.