Simultaneous diffusion imaging of multiple cross sections

A diffusion imaging method, comprising:

• performing a plurality of data collection sequences, wherein each data collection sequence includes
• applying an excitation radio frequency signal and a selection gradient, the excitation radio frequency signal including a first set of frequency bands selected to simultaneously excite a first nuclei type in a plurality of cross sections of a subject,
• applying a diffusion gradient during formation of a magnetic resonance signal,
• applying a spatial encoding gradient during formation of the magnetic resonance signal, and
• while acquiring the magnetic resonance signal, applying a separation gradient to change a frequency separation between portions of the magnetic resonance signal;
• and
• computationally determining a diffusion image of each of the plurality of cross sections as a function of a data set of each of the plurality of data collection sequences and a gyromagnetic ratio of the first nuclei type, each data set including a respective magnetic resonance signal, a respective separation gradient, and a respective diffusion gradient.