glossarymri

gradient strength

Magnetic field gradient amplitude, measured in mT/m. Defines how sharply the field varies across space — limits achievable resolution.

Why it matters to buyers: Higher gradient strength enables diffusion imaging, spectroscopy, and faster sequences. 30 mT/m effective is typical on 1.5 T; 80+ mT/m on research 3 T.

Why it matters to engineers: Gradient amplifier (GPA) drives the coils. Exceeding duty cycle cooks the amplifier or coil.