Our research interests involve the development of novel instrumentation and software algorithms for in vivo
imaging of molecular signals in humans and small laboratory animals.
These new cameras efficiently image radiation emissions in the form of
positrons, annihilation photons, gamma rays, and light from molecular
probes developed to target molecular signals from deep within tissue of
live subjects. The goals of the instrumentation projects are to push
the sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and/or temporal resolutions as
far as physically possible. The algorithm goals are to understand the
physical system comprising the subject tissues, radiation transport,
and imaging system, and to provide the best available image quality and
quantitative accuracy. The work involves computer modeling, position
sensitive sensors, readout electronics, data acquisition, image
formation, image processing, and data/image analysis algorithms, and
incorporating these innovations into practical imaging devices. The
ultimate goal is to introduce these new imaging tools into studies of
molecular mechanisms and treatments of disease within living subjects.
I am interested in PET imaging hardware, data acquisition and simulation. The goal is to improve position and energy resolution yielding a better image and easier interpretation. Currently I am trying to determine the LSO crystal array configuration.
My
current research interests are: 1) the development of breast cancer
dedicated Positron Emission Tomography (PET) cameras using avalanche
photodiode (APD) and Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) semiconductor
detectors. 2) the development of a simultaneous PET/MRI dual modality
scanner that can improve diagnosis accuracy and facilitate MRI-guided
biopsy.
I am currently developing a PET system using novel position sensitive
avalanche photodiodes for higher sensitivty and resolution specifically
to image breast cancer mechanisms in small animals. To construct the
system, my research includes high energy particle physics, novel device
and material characterization, mathematical methods for data
utilization and image reconstruction, and Monte Carlo system simulation.
My current research interests are the development of a intra-operative
hand-held gamma ray camera (Nuclear Imager) for the surgical staging of
cancer, new Positron Emission Tomography(PET) detectors. I am creating
new PET detectors to work in high field clinical and small animal MR
systems.
I am currently working on GPU-based
image reconstruction strategies for ultra-high resolution PET systems.
I am also developping real-time software for a small gamma camera.
I
am interested in circuits and devices for biomedical applications. I am
currently working on the design and development of hardware for a
breast cancer imaging PET system.
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