Deep Reinforcement Learning Designed RF Pulse: $DeepRF_{SLR}$A novel approach of applying deep reinforcement learning to an RF pulse
design is introduced. This method, which is referred to as $DeepRF_{SLR}$, is
designed to minimize the peak amplitude or, equivalently, minimize the pulse
duration of a multiband refocusing pulse generated by the Shinar Le-Roux (SLR)
algorithm. In the method, the root pattern of SLR polynomial, which determines
the RF pulse shape, is optimized by iterative applications of deep
reinforcement learning and greedy tree search. When tested for the designs of
the multiband factors of three and seven RFs, $DeepRF_{SLR}$ demonstrated
improved performance compared to conventional methods, generating shorter
duration RF pulses in shorter computational time. In the experiments, the RF
pulse from $DeepRF_{SLR}$ produced a slice profile similar to the minimum-phase
SLR RF pulse and the profiles matched to that of the computer simulation. Our
approach suggests a new way of designing an RF by applying a machine learning
algorithm, demonstrating a machine-designed MRI sequence.
arxiv.org