The principal advantage of MRI at high field is the increase in signal to noise ratio. This can be used to improve anatomic and/or temporal resolution and reduce scan time while preserving image quality. MRI devices for whole body imaging for human use are available up to 3 tesla (3T). Functional MRI (fMRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) benefit significantly. In addition, 3T machines have a great utility in applications such as TOF MRA and DTI. Higher field strengths are used for imaging of small parts of the body or scientific animal experiments. Higher contrast may permit reduction of gadolinium doses and, in some cases, earlier detection of disease.
Using high field MRI//MRS, the RF-wavelength and the dimension of the human body complicating the development of MR coils. The absorption of RF power causes heating of the tissue. The energy deposited in the patient's tissues is fourfold higher at 3T than at 1.5T. The specific absorption rate (SAR) induced temperature changes of the human body are the most important safety issue of high field MRI//MRS.
Susceptibility and chemical shift dispersion increase like T1, therefore high field MRI occasionally exhibits imaging artifacts. Most are obvious and easily recognized but some are subtle and mimic diseases. A thorough understanding of these artifacts is important to avoid potential pitfalls. Some imaging techniques or procedures can be utilized to remove or identify artifacts.

See also Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

See also the related poll result: 'In 2010 your scanner will probably work with a field strength of'

From Philips Medical Systems;
this low field MRI system of the Intera-family is onto diagnostic safety and flexibility aligned - cost effective and with high patient acceptance.

From Philips Medical Systems;
the Intera-family offers with this member a wide range of possibilities, efficiency and a ergonomic and intuitive serving-platform. Also available as Intera CV for cardiac and Intera I/T for interventional MR procedures.
The scanners are also equipped with SENSE technology, which is essential for high-quality contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography, interactive cardiac MR and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber tracking.
The increased accuracy and clarity of MR scans obtained with this technology allow for faster and more accurate diagnosis of potential problems like patient friendliness and expands the breadth of applications including cardiology, oncology and interventional MR.

From Philips Medical Systems;
the Intera 3 T high field system, the first with a compact magnet, which is built on the same platform as the 1.5 T, is targeted to high-end neurological, orthopedic and cardiovascular imaging applications with maximum patient comfort and acceptance without compromising image quality and clinical performance. Useable for clinical routine and research. The Intera systems offer diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber tracking that measures movement of water in the brain and can therefore detect areas of the brain where normal movement of water is disrupted.

Motion, which is uniform in all directions. This is generally used in reference to molecular diffusion or rotation, which gives rise to relaxation of the spin system through the dipole dipole interaction.