This set of methods is based on designing entire sequences of RF pulses together. A major theme of this work is to focus on using PTx degrees of freedom to optimize more than just the homogeneity of the B1+ field.
This is an efficient implementation of the Direct Signal Control (DSC) framework, a method for optimizing Turbo Spin Echo sequences, directly aiming to achieve uniform signal properties by dynamically switching RF shims throughout the echo train (see this paper, and this one). This work by Alessandro Sbrizzi (UMCU) treats the design problem using optimal control methods, rather than simple numerical optimization. The result is highly accelerated and much stabler calculation.
RF shimming with the aim of directly minimizing the TR of bSSFP sequences. This is achieved by directly minimizing the SAR (requires Q-matrices) in addition to searching for the optimal RF pulse duration to allow maximum efficiency within specified constraints.