System and methods for ultra-fast multi-dimensional diffusion-relaxation MRI using time-division multiplexing sequences

A method for magnetic resonance imaging, the method comprising:

• (a) controlling a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to perform a pulse sequence that includes:
• at least a first radio frequency (RF) excitation pulse that excites spins in a first imaging volume and a second RF excitation pulse that excites spins in a second imaging volume, wherein the second RF excitation pulse is time-shifted relative to the first RF excitation pulse by a time duration;
• at least a first RF refocusing pulse that refocuses spins in the first imaging volume at a first echo time relative to the first RF excitation pulse and a second RF refocusing pulse that refocuses spins in the second imaging volume at a second echo time relative to the second RF excitation pulse, wherein the second RF refocusing pulse is time-shifted relative to the first RF refocusing pulse by the time duration;
• a first readout during which first magnetic resonance data are acquired from the first imaging volume;
• a second readout during which second magnetic resonance data are acquired from the second imaging volume;
• (b) reconstructing magnetic resonance images from the first magnetic resonance data and the second magnetic resonance data, wherein the magnetic resonance images depict the first imaging volume and the second imaging volume;
• and
• (c) displaying the reconstructed magnetic resonance images to a user.