Described here are systems and methods for producing images with a magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI') system using a high-resolution, motion-robust, artifact-free segmented echo planar imaging ('EPI') technique. In particular, a fast low angle excitation echo planar imaging technique ('FLEET') using variable flip angle ('VFA') radio frequency ('RF') excitation pulses that are recursively designed to have a flat magnitude and phase profile across a slice for a range of different flip angles by accounting for longitudinal magnetization remaining after each preceding RF pulse is applied.
MULTI-SHOT ECHO PLANAR IMAGING USING REORDERED SEGMENTS AND RECURSIVE RADIO FREQUENCY PULSE DESIGN GIVING MATCHED SLICE PROFILES ACROSS SEGMENTS