
Emphasis
The emphasis is on: simulation, design and development of new x-ray sources and detector systems for imaging; new readout methods that enhance the signal quality for x-ray image generation; designs of novel imaging geometries for dedicated, general or multi-purpose imaging; algorithms that compensate for the physical properties of the detection system to improve the clinical reliability of the image (reconstruction algorithms); and approaches to radiation dose reduction, especially in CT. Of interest are diagnostic image enhancements via energy sensitive photon counting, dual/multi energy imaging and quantification, and new applications of cone-beam tomography.
Relevance
The emphasized topics are meant to lead toward: improved clinical CT and planar x-ray (e.g. mammography) systems or new camera geometries; new signal-processing and image-generation algorithms; corrections for image artifacts for enhanced reliability of clinical images; studies of x-ray physics to estimate absorbed energy of diagnostic scans; and methods of visualizing or measuring therapy doses. Investigating the associated dosimetry estimations helps to decrease the risk of diagnostic and therapy techniques.
Examples of emphasis
- improvement in compact x-ray source technologies
- development & construction of flat panel detector arrays
- evaluation of new semiconductor, scintillation and other novel radiation detectors
- reconstruction algorithms for CT and cone-beam geometry
- advances of photon counting or dual/multi-energy in CT
- techniques for improved image spatial resolution and sensitivity
- investigating x-ray luminescence tomography
- design and manufacture of x-ray gratings
- investigating interferometry and (tissue-induced) phase contrast techniques as well as development of usable phase contrast systems
- combining modalities for clinically relevant hybrid cameras (e.g. coupling x-ray CT to SPECT and PET, ultrasound, optical, MRI or other modalities)
- software algorithms and imaging protocols to estimate patient dosimetry
- improvements in digital radiography and digital fluoroscopy
- novel interaction processing such as those using scattered x-rays
- developing ion beams for novel clinical applications
- new diagnostics applied to image-guided therapy and theranostics
Additional support
- improvements in digital radiography and digital fluoroscopy
- novel interaction processing such as those using scattered x-rays
- developing ion beams for novel clinical applications
- new diagnostics applied to image-guided therapy and theranostics
Notes
- clinical application of image-guided therapy and theranostics is supported by the Image-Guided Interventions program
- development of imaging molecular agents is supported by the Molecular Imaging program
- novel evaluation of images is supported by the Image Processing, Visual Perception and Display program
Related News
Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children after leukemia, and it is also the deadliest, due to the fact that brain tumors are diverse, resistant to treatments and often hard to access surgically. A collaborative team of researchers at several institutions have developed a new way to profile brain cancers in children, paving the way for improved diagnostics and treatments. Source: UTSA Today
Researchers are developing a preclinical method to stimulate the brain without drilling into the skull by guiding a catheter through the cerebrospinal fluid.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has selected four finalists with innovative, non-invasive technologies that seek to improve diagnosis of endometriosis.
Engineered tissues could one day do the work of traditional electrical stimulation devices while offering more customizable and biologically friendly solutions.
With the help of some of nature’s best engineers, NIBIB-funded researchers have developed technology to regrow damaged facial nerves.