1. A method for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging comprising: determining at least one RF pulse profile; identifying a set of desired magnetization parameters; iteratively adjusting the at least one RF pulse profile based on the set of desired magnetization parameters using a spinor-based, phase relaxed, optimal control formulation; transmitting at least one RF pulse using an RF coil array, the at least one RF pulse based on the at least one adjusted RF pulse profile; acquiring MR imaging data using at least one RF coil; and storing the MR image data in memory.