Cylindrical bi-planar gradient coil assemblies for use in open magnetic
resonance imaging, wherein each of the coil assemblies contains in
sequential order (i) a circular primary coil set placed flat above a
cylindrical planar substrate, (ii) cooling means, (iii) 0.sup.th and
2.sup.nd order shims, (iv) shield layers, and (v) 1.sup.st order shims.
In use the gradient coil assemblies are disposed symmetrically to each
other about a plane of symmetry parallel to each.
