Hybrid Methods in Imaging

The Banff International Research Station will host the "Hybrid Methods in Imaging" workshop from June 14th to June 19th, 2015.

Since its invention in 1960s, computed tomography (CT) has become an indispensable technique of biomedical imaging. Numerous modalities have been introduced since then, including the traditional X-ray CT scan, SPECT, MRI, Optical-, Ultrasound-, and Electrical Impedance Tomography, with many others being currently developed. Recently, several "hybrid" of "coupled physics" modalities have been introduced. They remain a subject of intensive research activity since then, due to the great promises they hold for medical imaging. By combining two or three different types of waves (or physical fields) these methods overcome limitations of classical tomography techniques and deliver otherwise unavailable, potentially life-saving diagnostic information --- at a lesser cost and with less harm to a patient. As a rule, the images in these modalities are obtained by complex mathematical procedures, rather than through direct acquisition. The introduction of the new modalities brought about new mathematical challenges, ranging from the variety of open theoretical questions to the more practical tasks of developing computer algorithms and programs capable of computing high quality images required by modern medical practice.

The workshop will bring together leading mathematicians, physicists, engineers and experts on biomedical imaging, involved in the development of the most promising "coupled physics" modalities. The topics of interest include Thermoacoustic Tomography, Photo-Acoustic Tomography, Ultrasound Modulated Optical and Impedance Tomographies, Magneto-Acousto-Electric Tomography (MAET) and other magnetic modalities, Current Density Imaging and Elastography. The main goals of the workshop are (i) to assess the current progress in both theory and technology of the "hybrid" and "combined physics" modalities, (ii) to formulate mathematical problems that need to be resolved to meet the outstanding theoretical challenges in this area, and (iii) to facilitate the discussions and interdisciplinary collaborations between the researchers representing different scientific fields. The organizers believe that it will lead to significant advances in this important and fast developing area of research.

The Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) is a collaborative Canada-US-Mexico venture that provides an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station is located at The Banff Centre in Alberta and is supported by Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology, and Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).

BIRS Scientific Director, Nassif Ghoussoub
E-mail: birs-director[@]birs.ca
http://www.birs.ca/~nassif