Compact whole-body open magnet for magnetic resonance imaging

A compact whole body magnet system for an open bi-planar MRI system having a cylindrical central homogeneous field region comprising planar magnets displaced above and below said region and separated by a gap into which a subject can fit, said magnets being connected by a yoke to form a magnetic circuit element, said magnets each having attached to them circular discs forming a pole face in the region facing the gap, said pole face having annular protrusions at its outer edge wherein the protrusions face toward the gap, said planar magnets, circular discs and annular protrusions overhang said cylindrical central homogeneous field region creating a overhanging region, said overhanging region reduced to gain access to a patient under examination combined with electrical active means to homogenize the deteriorated magnetic field within the gap.