A technique for reducing acoustic noise emitted by a magnetic resonance
imaging system includes providing energy dampening elements in the
scanner, such as within the gradient coil assembly, between the gradient
coil assembly and the primary magnet, and around the outer and inner
peripheries of the primary magnet and RF coil. The elements may be formed
to conform to the structures of the scanner, and may be tile-like elements
which can be fitted to new scanners and retrofitted to existing equipment.
