Hybrid Methods in Imaging (15w5012)

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).