Conventional Imaging
Medical Physics in Radiography, CT and Ultrasound and Digital Image Processing
Our group is devoted to applied research in diagnostic radiology physics, image processing, surgical navigation, and imaging dosimetry. The main emphasis on digital imaging modalities (DR and CR), CT, and ultrasound. Our mission is to help optimizing patient care through technical innovation, research and education. For more information see here.
Research Topics
X-Ray Physics | Mammography Physics | Ultrasound | Phantoms | Dosimetry and Dose Optimization | Digital Image Processing | 3D Navigation
Research Area Representative
Research Groups
More about this research area
Mammography Physics
Since the introduction of the Austrian mammography screening in 2009, our center has been continuously involved in the development and expansion of methods for improving the quality assessment for mammography devices. Our close cooperation with the mammography screening reference center for technical quality control, led to a number of interesting publications and promising projects. Recently, a project granted by the FFG enabled us to develop a prototype to evaluate image quality for tomography. This phantom has already been approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and will be part of the new Austrian standards for quality control in mammography.
Ultrasound
While research for output investigations and standardisation of optimal ultrasound imaging quality cover the macroscopic world, some research topics are dedicated to gather quantitative molecular information, bioluminescence applications and to AI-based image evaluation. Our research includes advanced technologies like artificial intelligence or augmented reality and modern ultrasound procedures to lay the base for new quantitative clinical applications or for supporting high-quality medical ultrasound education. Access to the modern technical facility of the center as well as cooperation with internal and external groups let us use synergistic effects for this research.
Imaging phantoms are specifically designed objects used to measure, evaluate, analyze, or optimize the performance, image quality, or dose level of various imaging modalities. The use of phantoms in medical imaging goes far beyond simple image quality test objects. Our department and this group have a long history of phantom and phantom material development. Currently, 3D printing and additive manufacturing is becoming more and more important for the design and production of advanced phantoms.
Dosimetry and Dose Optimization
Dosimetry in diagnostic and interventional application differs considerably from radiotherapy dosimetry. We engage in both, dosimetry methodology for keV x-ray beams, and methodology, i.e., radiation metrology.
Dose optimization, relying on accurate and concise dosimetry measurements including uncertainty budget estimation, is a key issue and competence in medical imaging physics. We are involved in DRLs, education and other efforts on dose and procedure optimization.
Digital Image Processing
For more than 20 years, we have been working in the field of image-guided therapy, interventional imaging, and applied clinical data processing; topics include computer-aided surgery and surgical augmented reality to real – time registration for image – guided radiotherapy, attenuation correction in PET – MRI and non-isocentric cone-beam CT reconstruction.
3D Navigation
Multi-modal image registration aims to spatially align medical images from different imaging modalities into the same coordinate space. Image fusion through registration can integrate complementary information from multi-modal imagesto help achieving more accurate diagnosis and treatment.