Design of a power independent of finite number of slices (PIFINS) pulse for simultaneous multi-slice imaging

Motivation: Simultaneous mutli-slice (SMS) techniques can reduce scan times. Power deposition from multiband pulses and outer slice signal from power independent of number of slices (PINS) pulses has hampered thoracic and cardiac SMS imaging. Goal(s): To reduce power deposition in thoracic and cardiac SMS imaging, thereby reducing scan times and motion artifacts. Approach: A power independent of finite number of slices (PIFINS) pulse was designed to excite any number of slices over a desired field of view with power deposition comparable to single-band pulse. Results: The PIFINS pulse was used to simultaneously acquire 3 slices in a cylindrical ACR phantom. Impact: Reducing scan time in thoracic and cardiac imaging reduces motion artifacts. Acceleration with simultaneous multi-slice has been hampered due to high power deposition. The new pulse presented here will enable SMS thoracic and cardiac imaging with reduced power deposition.