In a magnetic resonance scanner, a main magnet system (10) is wound to
generate a longitudinally directed main magnetic field (B.sub.0) at least
in a scanning region (20). The main magnet system includes a central
magnet winding region (30) wound layer-by-layer disposed between outer
magnet winding regions (32, 34). A longitudinal magnetic field gradient
system (12, 12') includes a central gradient winding region (40, 40', 42,
42') wound to generate a main longitudinally directed magnetic field
gradient disposed between outer gradient winding regions (44, 46) wound
to generate a compensatory longitudinally directed magnetic field
gradient having opposite polarity from the main longitudinally directed
magnetic field gradient. The outer gradient winding regions are arranged
to substantially null mutual inductance between the outer magnet winding
regions (32, 34) and the longitudinal magnetic field gradient system (12,
12').