The Larmor equation is important because it is the frequency at which the nucleus will absorb energy. The absorption of that energy will cause the proton to alter its alignment and ranges from 1-100 MHz in MRI. The equation states that the frequency of precession of the nuclear magnetic moment is directly proportional to the product of the magnetic field strength (B0) and the gyromagnetic ratio (g). This is stated mathematically as w = g B0.

The Larmor precession frequency is the rate of precession of a spin packet under the influence of a magnetic field. The frequency of an RF signal, which will cause a change in the nucleus spin energy level, is given by the Larmor equation. The frequency is determined by the gyro magnetic ratio of atoms and the strength of the magnetic field. The gyromagnetic ratio is different for each nucleus of different atoms.
The stronger the magnetic field, the higher the precessional frequency. If an RF pulse at the Larmor frequency is applied to the nucleus of an atom, the protons will alter their alignment from the direction of the main magnetic field to the direction opposite the main magnetic field. As the proton tries to realign with the main magnetic field, it will emit energy at the Larmor frequency. By varying the magnetic field across the body with a magnetic field gradient, the corresponding variation of the Larmor frequency can be used to encode the position. For protons (hydrogen nuclei), the Larmor frequency is 42.58 MHz/Tesla.

See also Larmor Equation.

(MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses the interaction between radio frequency pulses, a strong magnetic field and body tissue to obtain images of slices/planes from inside the body. These magnets generate fields from approx. 2000 times up to 30000 times stronger than that of the Earth. The use of nuclear magnetic resonance principles produces extremely detailed pictures of the body tissue without the need for x-ray exposure and gives diagnostic information of various organs.
Measured are mobile hydrogen nuclei (protons are the hydrogen atoms of water, the 'H' in H20), the majority of elements in the body. Only a small part of them contribute to the measured signal, caused by their different alignment in the magnetic field. Protons are capable of absorbing energy if exposed to short radio wave pulses (electromagnetic energy) at their resonance frequency. After the absorption of this energy, the nuclei release this energy so that they return to their initial state of equilibrium.
This transmission of energy by the nuclei as they return to their initial state is what is observed as the MRI signal. The subtle differing characteristic of that signal from different tissues combined with complex mathematical formulas analyzed on modern computers is what enables MRI imaging to distinguish between various organs. Any imaging plane, or slice, can be projected, and then stored or printed.
The measured signal intensity depends jointly on the spin density and the relaxation times (T1 time and T2 time), with their relative importance depending on the particular imaging technique and choice of interpulse times. Any motion such as blood flow, respiration, etc. also affects the image brightness.
Magnetic resonance imaging is particularly sensitive in assessing anatomical structures, organs and soft tissues for the detection and diagnosis of a broad range of pathological conditions. MRI pictures can provide contrast between benign and pathological tissues and may be used to stage cancers as well as to evaluate the response to treatment of malignancies. The need for biopsy or exploratory surgery can be eliminated in some cases, and can result in earlier diagnosis of many diseases.

See also MRI History and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

From GE Healthcare;
The Signa SP 0.5T™ is an open MRI magnet that is designed for use in interventional radiology and intra-operative imaging. The vertical gap configuration increases patient positioning options, improves patient observation, and allows continuous access to the patient during imaging. The magnet enclosure also incorporates an intercom, patient observation video camera, laser patient alignment lights, and task lighting in the imaging volume.

The T1 relaxation time (also called spin lattice or longitudinal relaxation time), is a biological parameter that is used in MRIs to distinguish between tissue types. This tissue-specific time constant for protons, is a measure of the time taken to realign with the external magnetic field. The T1 constant will indicate how quickly the spinning nuclei will emit their absorbed RF into the surrounding tissue.
As the high-energy nuclei relax and realign, they emit energy which is recorded to provide information about their environment. The realignment with the magnetic field is termed longitudinal relaxation and the time in milliseconds required for a certain percentage of the tissue nuclei to realign is termed 'Time 1' or T1. Starting from zero magnetization in the z direction, the z magnetization will grow after excitation from zero to a value of about 63% of its final value in a time of T1. This is the basic of T1 weighted images.
The T1 time is a contrast determining tissue parameter. Due to the slow molecular motion of fat nuclei, longitudinal relaxation occurs rather rapidly and longitudinal magnetization is regained quickly. The net magnetic vector realigns with B0 leading to a short T1 time for fat.
Water is not as efficient as fat in T1 recovery due to the high mobility of the water molecules. Water nuclei do not give up their energy to the lattice (surrounding tissue) as quickly as fat, and therefore take longer to regain longitudinal magnetization, resulting in a long T1 time.

See also T1 Weighted Image, T1 Relaxation, T2 Weighted Image, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI.