We
present a novel idea for quickly detecting the optimal half k-space for use in
partial Fourier acquisition. With EPI acquisition, the center of k-space can be offset from the
origin by local magnetic field inhomogeneity.
This offset can occur in both positive and negative phase encode directions. For partial Fourier acquisition, it is
important to sample the portion of k-space containing the center peak. Before data collection using partial Fourier
acquisition, a reference scan that collects two time frames (each with
different halves of k-space coverage) can be used to determine the proper half
of k-space to collect for each slice.