High-Speed Spectral Computed Tomography

The ANKA Synchrotron Radiation Facility at KIT is one of the key players in the field of spectral x-ray imaging and computed tomography (CT). Together with the Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF) and the European Nuclear Research Center (CERN), we develop, characterize and employ pixelated semiconductor detectors that are able to differentiate photon energies. With them, we aim to introduce color into x-ray images for both medical and scientific applications. One of the current limitations of these detectors is the comparably low photon interaction rate that can be handled without degrading energy resolution, which implies long image acquisition times. In order to investigate a novel imaging paradigm to push this limit, we are looking for a highly motivated Master’s student to work on this project. It consists of tilting a detector to the back by 90° and combining it with a weakly absorbing sensor, such that the total flux is now distributed across a column of pixels, instead of a single one. Your task will be to study chances and limitations of the new concept. In particular, we are interested in the maximum x-ray flux and the energy resolution that can be achieved. If time permits, we would like you to incorporate depth-of-interaction information into data analysis to further improve energy resolution.

We offer you:
• the possibility to choose one of the hot topics in x-ray imaging for your Master’s thesis;
• the chance to gain in-depth knowledge on semiconductor radiation detectors and their use in spectral computed tomography;
• the opportunity to participate in workshops at CERN;
• a ready-to-use and highly competitive laboratory setup;
• to teach you solving problems using modern methods from mathematical optimization, statistics, image processing and machine learning;
• close supervision in an experienced team; and
• the possibility to publish your excellent results in a scientific journal or present them at international conferences.

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Bereich/Abteilung

ANKA Synchrotronstrahlungsquelle

Abschlussart

Masterarbeit / Diplomarbeit

Branche

Forschung und Entwicklung

Schlagwörter

energy resolution semiconductor detector computed tomography CT X-ray

Anforderungen

If this appeals to you, then you should:
• have good knowledge in physics, and special interest in detector physics and imaging techniques;
• be skilled and interested in experimental projects as well as theoretical and data analysis tasks;
• be a self-motivated, ambitious and independent individual and be eager to develop your own ideas;
• have advanced programming experience and look at solving problems in an algorithmic fashion;
• speak English.

Zusatzinformationen

ANKA Synchrotronstrahlungsquelle

Bei entsprechender Eignung werden schwerbehinderte Bewerber/innen bevorzugt berücksichtigt.