PhD Stipends at the Graduate School Lübeck

1. New Concepts for Artifact Reduction in Digital Tomosynthesis

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Background

Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) is a limited angle X-ray imaging technique for producing a three-dimensional stack of cross-sectional images of an object. It is an attractive low dose and high resolution alternative to Computed Tomography (CT) in certain imaging applications. An accurate image reconstruction in DT is a challenging task due to the incompleteness of the projection data. Two typical problems resulting from the data incompleteness are out-of-focus artifacts and black shadows in the in-plane images. An additional problem is the highly anisotropic resolution of the reconstruction. Artifacts and limited axial resolution reduce the diagnostic value of the reconstructed tomosynthesis images.

Project

The choice of the reconstruction algorithm and the optimization of the reconstruction parameters greatly influence the properties of the reconstructed images. Various reconstruction approaches and hardware solutions to improve image quality and reduce artifacts in tomosynthesis have been proposed so far. However, none of them is capable to provide artifact-free images with perfect image quality.

The comprehensive understanding the effect of the artifact formation in DT is important step in solving tomosynthesis image quality problem. The aim of this project is to analyze in details which factors are responsible for the artifact formation in DT and to develop a new methodology for artifact reduction. The methodology will include the advanced image reconstruction algorithm and the pre- and post-processing of the reconstructed images.

Required Skills:

  • A Master in Engineering (Biomedical, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Electrical) or a Master in Science (Mathematics, Physics or Applied Physics).
  • Knowledge in the area of image data acquisition and data processing as well as image reconstruction (esp. numerical methods and inverse problems);
  • Basic knowledge of physics;
  • Experience in Matlab, C/C++ programming.

Preferred additional Skills:

  • GPU computing skills (especially CUDA)

How to apply:
Interested candidates should send

  • A motivation letter
  • A detailed CV (including followed courses, grades, previous work, publications)
  • Contact info of references

Please send your applications to:

Prof. Dr. Thorsten M. Buzug
Institut für Medizintechnik
Universität zu Lübeck
Ratzeburger Allee 160
23538 Lübeck
buzug@imt.uni-luebeck.de

 

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General Areas of Research