Pushing the boundaries of in-vivo human diffusion MRI using Romer-EPTI: initial results on the Connectome 2.0 scanner

Motivation: The progress in in-vivo high-resolution and high-b-value dMRI has advanced the investigation of structural connectivity and tissue microstructure. Goal(s): We aim to further push the spatial resolution and b-value of in-vivo diffusion MRI. Approach: A high-SNR(√25x), distortion-free, motion-robust Romer-EPTI technique that addresses the challenges in dMRI acquisition with further enhanced capabilities by taking advantage of the cutting-edge Connectome 2.0 scanner. Results: We demonstrate motion-robust distortion-free in-vivo mesoscale dMRI (~485um-istropic) on clinical 3T&7T scanners, and further improvements in SNR on Connectome2.0 scanner enabling high-SNR, high b-value dMRI and a spatial resolution up to 400um-iso. Impact: Romer-EPTI achieves high-SNR motion-robust distortion-free in-vivo mesoscale dMRI (~485 um) with exceptional quality on clinical 3T&7T scanners. Its capabilities were further enhanced on the Connectome 2.0 scanner, enabling high-SNR high b-value dMRI and a spatial resolution up to 400um-iso.