Use of a magnetic field gradient to effectively eliminate residual transverse magnetization by producing a strong position dependence of phase within a resolution element. See Spoiler Gradient Pulse.

Magnetic field gradient pulse applied to effectively remove transverse magnetization by producing a rapid variation of its phase along the direction of the gradient. This is done after the echo so that transverse magnetization is destroyed prior to the next excitation pulse, to spoil any remaining xy-magnetization or to refocus the xy-magnetization.
For example, when used to remove the unwanted signal resulting from an imperfect 180° refocusing RF pulse, a corresponding compensating gradient pulse may be applied prior to the refocusing RF pulse in order to avoid spoiling the desired transverse magnetization resulting from the initial excitation. Also called homospoil pulse.