What is the term used for the measurement of a gradient's minimum to maximum field difference?

The measurement of a gradient's minimum to maximum field difference is best described by the term "Amplitude." In this context, amplitude refers to the extent of the magnetic field variation produced by the gradient coil, which defines how strong the gradient field is from its lowest point to its highest point. This measure is critical in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as it directly influences the spatial encoding of the magnetic resonance signal, allowing for differentiating between various tissue types and providing clear imaging.

While "Rise Time," "Slew Rate," and "Field Intensity" are relevant concepts in MRI, they are distinct from amplitude. Rise time refers to the time taken for the gradient to switch from its minimum to maximum value, which is crucial for determining how fast the gradient can be applied but does not measure the extent of the field itself. Slew rate indicates how quickly the gradient can change, usually specified in mT/m/ms, and is important for assessing the speed of gradient application. Field intensity, on the other hand, typically refers to the overall strength of the magnetic field present, not the gradient's variation between minimum and maximum levels.