imaging

Among the core components of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems are the radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver coils responsible for acquiring the signals used to create images. Specialized imaging techniques typically include the use of custom RF coils to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and localize the area within the body being imaged. The design of such RF coils requires sophisticated electromagnetic (EM) algorithms that include, for example, the modeling of interface circuitry and cabling used to drive the coils.

The Canadian National Trauma Registry have recorded that out of 109,738 major injuries occurring in 1999, 4531 had a pelvis fracture. Traditional intraoperative imaging modality in orthopaedic surgery is 2D fluoroscopy which makes identification of 3D bone surfaces very difficult and exposes the patient and the surgical team to harmful ionizing radiation. Ultrasound has traditionally been used to image the body's soft tissue, organs, and blood flow in real time.

Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy is a very promising method of directly imaging biological processes occurring in living cells. It is unique because the imaging does not harm the cell, is molecule specific, and does not require the introduction of additional chemicals that may alter the biology. For example, CARS would allow us to visualize how viruses invade a cell membrane, which is still a mystery.

Breast Microwave Radar is a promising new technology for breast cancer detection. Nevertheless, current image formation methods face issues that limit the use of this technology in clinical scenarios. The goal of this project is to use mathematical modeling and analysis to develop a novel image formation method for breast microwave radar suitable for use in realistic breast imaging settings. This technique will be capable of generating accurate and high contrast images for a specific patient in real time.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an important medical imaging technology for clinical diagnostics. However, its slowness in data acquisition poses major problems in practice. In recent years, many research efforts to accelerate MRI data acquisition were based on the compressed sensing (CS) theory. CS is effective for signals that have highly sparse representations. However, it suffers from high computational complexity and lack of performance stability.

This project responds to the need for more precise tools to help oil and gas companies better understand where undiscovered energy reserves lie deep within the earth, and to manage and utilize existing reserves. Bringing together mathematicians and geophysicists, this team develops new algorithms to improve upon existing seismic imaging techniques that create accurate images of the earth beneath our feet.

The development of new biomedical imaging techniques has resulted in significantly better tools for doctors and scientists to image humans and animals in-vivo. Technological developments and new types of imagers with more capabilities are revolutionizing the field. Currently, available technologies for brain imaging include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), functional MRI, Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT), Electro-Encephalography (EEG) and Magneto-Encephalography.

Abnormal heart rhythms, or cardiac arrhythmias, can result in significant physical impairment and can lead to an increased risk for serious medical problems such as stroke or even sudden death. This team uses mathematics to further the understanding of cardiac arrhythmias and to develop new methods to predict which patients are at risk for arrhythmias and methods for their control. In the past year systems were developed to analyze changes in the electrical properties of heart tissue.