Pore size estimation using the mixing time dependence of a double diffusion encoding experiment: experimental validation on a clinical MR system

Diffusion MRI provides information about microstructure, but is limited in complex situations. Double diffusion encoding makes assessment of shape and size possible in these contexts. The time delay (mixing time) between diffusion encodings has not been studied closely outside of the short and long regimes. We present here an experimental study of the mixing time dependence. In spherical pores, the parallel-antiparallel signal difference can be approximately described as an exponential decay with a rate related to diameter. This decay was obtained on a clinical scanner in a water-in-oil emulsion.