The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28) in particular for examination of human patients. The apparatus comprises i) selection and focus means (120) for generating a magnetic selection and focus field (50) wherein said at least one set of selection and focus field coils comprises at least one inner selection and focus field coil (113 115) being formed as a closed loop about an inner coil axis (115a) first inner selection and focus field coil (115) a group of at least two outer selection and focus field coils (116 119) arranged at a larger distance from said inner coil axis (115a) than said at least one inner selection and focus field coil (113 115) and at different angular positions each being formed as a closed loop about an associated outer coil axis (116a 119a) and ii) drive means (120) comprising a drive field signal generator unit (122) and drive field coils (124； 125 126 127) for changing the position in space and/or size of the two sub zones (52 54) in the field of view (28) by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic material changes locally.
