Howtosignalprocessing
How does k-space work?
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. The relationship between k-space data and image data is the Fourier transformation.
How is k-space filled?
The easier way to fill the k-space is to use a line-by-line rectilinear trajectory. One line of k-space is fully acquired at each excitation, containing low and high-horizontal-spatial-frequency information (contrast and resolution in the horizontal direction).
Why is k-space useful?
In practice, k-space often refers to the temporary image space, usually a matrix, in which data from digitized MR signals are stored during data acquisition. When k-space is full (at the end of the scan) the data are mathematically processed to produce a final image. Thus k-space holds raw data before reconstruction.
Is k-space the image?
K-space is the Fourier transform of the MR image. Although the k-space "galaxy" and MR image appear quite different, they contain identical information about the scanned object. The two representations may be converted to one another using an advanced mathematical procedure (the Fourier Transform).
