MR Sequence Utility for Portable Imaging and Abstraction Layers (Marsupial) – an MR Sequence Programming Framework written in Nim

Motivation: MR sequence programming is tied to vendor specific platforms and reuse and exchange of source codes is infeasible. MR sequence frameworks introduce abstraction layers for platform-independent sequence development. Goal(s): To develop a platform-independent MR sequence programming framework (Marsupial), focusing on a functional and declarative programming style, strong typing, and seamless integration into the target platform. Approach: The Nim language was chosen to create an abstraction layer, with emphasis on extensibility, type safety, and a simple functional interface. Marsupial sequences are compiled to binaries and linked to the target platform. Results: Simple sequences were developed in Marsupial and successfully executed on a clinical scanner. Impact: Marsupial will enable development of platform-independent open-source MRI sequences. Nim's concise syntax and Marsupial's design will considerably speed up the development process, making more sequences readily available to the research community.