There has been an explosive growth in imaging science due to continuing demand for
ever-higher resolution, rapid advances in vision research, new imaging technologies, the
advent of multi-sensor data fusion and the increased sophistication of mathematical models
and techniques. As a result, imaging and image analysis are increasingly indispensable in
numerous fundamental and applied sciences, and in countless industrial applications.
The University’s work on imaging and image analysis is designed to promote and support
the use of a wide range of imaging technologies, enhance existing imaging technologies,
develop new ones, and refine existing image analysis tools.
Digital Technologies
141
1.
Imaging and detection
APPLICATION AREAS
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Aerospace and automotive
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Biotechnology
•
Civil engineering
•
Creative industries
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Defence and security
•
Electronics and electrical systems
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Financial and business services
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Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
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High value manufacturing
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Information and communication
technology (ICT)
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Nanotechnology and advanced materials
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Robotics
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Transport and infrastructure
1.1
Imaging technologies
Keywords
Microscopy, tomography, spectroscopic imaging,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dual energy X-ray
absorptiometry (DXA), spherical aberration minimisation,
thermal imaging, computed tomography imaging (CT)
Expertise
Recent advances in image processing hardware and
software, as well as in wider use of imaging technology,
have led to an explosive growth in the interdisciplinary
field of imaging science. To meet the demands for high
resolution and reliable analysis tools increasingly
sophisticated mathematical models and theories emerge.
The University of Liverpool has a wide range of
imaging technologies at its disposal – including the
ability to produce atomic-scale images unmarred by
spherical aberration.
The University’s Centre for Mathematical Imaging
Techniques has a strong team of researchers who
specialise in merging information (or co-registering
images) from entirely different imaging technologies
to improve the power of a single technology.
We have software tools equipped with the most advanced
mathematical models and solution techniques to register
any given number of images as long as they are for the
same object.
Capabilities and facilities
Microscopy
Electron microscopy uses a focused beam of electrons in
place of light to image the specimen, enabling samples
to be magnified up to ~20 million times their actual size
without loss of definition. It can reveal a sample’s:
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Topography
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Crystallography
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Morphology
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Composition
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Electronic structure.
Tomography
Tomography offers a non-invasive means of imaging
the inside of human or animal bodies. The high-quality
images produced are particularly important in the field of
diagnostic nuclear medicine.
Different ‘modalities’ are available, providing information
on a patient’s anatomy – on structures such as bone
or soft tissue, or the function of a patient’s organs.
Functional imaging can provide information on blood flow,
for instance, or the uptake of glucose in different organs in
the body, which is particularly helpful in aiding the
diagnosis of cancerous tumours.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a non-invasive
means of visualising internal structures of the body without
incurring the radiation risks associated with CT and PET
scanning. MRI is particularly effective at imaging soft
tissue, and is used to diagnose and monitor tumours,
cardiovascular and neurological conditions, as well as the
skeleton and musculature. It can also be used to monitor
functional activity such as brain signals, and can record
signals from all regions of the brain – unlike EEG and MEG.
DXA
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (also known as DXA or
DEXA) offers a means of measuring bone mineral density
and is the most widely used bone density measurement
technology.
Spectroscopic imaging
Gamma spectroscopy can be used to generate images
of areas inside the body by detecting the distribution of
medically-administered radioactive isotopes. These can
localise to specific organs or cellular receptors – enabling
diagnosis or treatment on the basis of cellular function
and physiology.
Chemical imaging
This is offered by imaging technologies such as TEM,
STEM, SuperSTEM and AEM, which can simultaneously
measure spectra and generate images.
Also see:
Health & Wellbeing –
5.1
Eye and vision, page 29
11.3
Medical imaging, page 52
Materials, Advanced Design &
Manufacturing –
2.8
Biomedical engineering, page 96
