Application of Pulse Field Gradient along Z:
1) Remove non zero order coherence, i.e., unwanted signals, e.g., solvent.
2) Compensate for the incomplete 180 inversion pulse.
3) Gradient selection, e.g., gradient selected HSQC.
Generally speaking, a PFG will work as a pulse along z axis, (could be x or y for solid-state NMR and MRI).