Conventional Imaging

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.

Phantoms

Bildgebende Phantome sind speziell entwickelte Objekte, die zur Messung, Bewertung, Analyse oder Optimierung der Leistung, Bildqualität oder Dosis verschiedener Bildgebungsmodalitäten verwendet werden. Die Verwendung von Phantomen in der medizinischen Bildgebung geht weit über einfache Testobjekte für die Bildqualität hinaus. Unsere Abteilung und diese Gruppe haben eine lange Tradition in der Entwicklung von Phantomen und Phantommaterialien. Derzeit gewinnen der 3D-Druck und die additive Fertigung immer mehr an Bedeutung für das Design und die Herstellung fortschrittlicher Phantome.

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.