Magphan® phantoms are designed to perform a wide range of precision performance evaluations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanners.

The (MR Distortion or Quantitative Imaging) Magphan® family of phantoms were developed with the guidance of Richard Mallozzi, Ph.D. to provide accurate 3-D information on MR distortion along with comprehensive image performance.

Available Models

Magphan® RT: The Magphan® RT phantom is designed to meet the specific needs for MR QA in radiotherapy. The easy-to-handle modular design comes in two size configurations with arrays of precisely located spheres. Known and scanned sphere positions are compared, producing a highly accurate and detailed 3D map of MR image distortion. A number of other critical MR image parameters are also measured. The Magphan® RT system includes two years of Smári, our automated analysis service.

Magphan® S162: The Magphan® System Phantom model S162 is designed to meet QA requirements when MRI scanners are used in quantitative imaging, particularly in applications where geometric distortion has a critical impact. The phantom has a 19 cm OD housing and measures distortion and uniformity throughout the inner 150 mm by 158 mm spheroidal volume. The phantom also contains solutions with a range of T1 and T2 values and test objects for slice thickness, noise, and high resolution. The Magphan® S162 includes two years of Smári, our automated analysis service.

Magphan® Quantitative Imaging Phantom for MR  Distortion (EMR 128): The Magphan® 128 is an updated replacement for the EMR051 designed to fit in modern head coils with solid sphere technology supporting a wide range of pulse sequences. The phantom is suitable for neuroimaging studies and measuring distortion in radiation therapy MR planning and guidance scanners. Known and scanned sphere positions are compared, producing a highly accurate and detailed 3D map of MR image distortion. Magphan® EMR128 includes two years of Smári, our automated analysis service.

Magphan® Quantitative Imaging Phantom for MR  Distortion (EMR 051): The original EMR051 model, the phantom selected to monitor the MR distortion for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), contains an array of 165 precisely positioned polycarbonate spheres. The Phantom Laboratory includes two years of Smári to provide convenient and accurate online distortion analysis of the Magphan® EMR051 phantom.

Original Magphan® Phantom Models

The design criteria for the original Magphan® phantoms are based on physicist Dr. David Goodenough’s extensive experience with MRI system evaluation and his well documented research into the quantification of image system performance tests. The test objects that make up the current Magphan® models embody decades of scientific evaluation and field experience.

Spherical Magphan® (SMR100): A urethane sphere composed of two hemispherical shells with an inner diameter of 20cm. The shells are connected with a simple threaded flange connecting ring. The test cube assembly can be quickly removed without tools for greater imaging flexibility and easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

Cylindrical Magphan® (SMR170): The Magphan® is also available with a conventional cylindrical housing for test groups and manufacturers who base their performance specifications on cylindrical phantoms. It has a removable end plate for internal access. The acrylic cylinder has an outer diameter of 20cm and an inner diameter of 19cm.

For detailed information on each phantom please see the individual product pages.

Patented Spherical Design

The Magphan’s® patented spherical design combines precise alignment of spherical geometry with cubic geometry. As magnetic field characteristics are mapped according to spherical harmonics, natural magnetic fields extend to diagonally symmetric volumes (DSVs), or spheres. This symmetry is the reason the AAPM Task Group’s Report number 6a, titled “Acceptance Testing of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems,” recommends the spherical shape. Imaging performance is evaluated in the transaxial, coronal, sagittal and oblique planes by rotating the sphere. The Magphan® is also available with a conventional cylindrical housing for test groups and manufacturers who base their performance specifications on cylindrical phantom.