Portable three-dimensional ultra-low field MRI. This project aims to address low signal-to-noise ratio in ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI, using dynamic, mechanically-operated small permanent magnet arrays to generate magnetic fields needed for pre-polarisation and spatial encoding. Superconducting magnets make conventional MRI scanners too heavy and expensive for much of the world’s population. ULF MRI instruments offer image contrast mechanisms, are less costly and potentially portable, so can be us ....Portable three-dimensional ultra-low field MRI. This project aims to address low signal-to-noise ratio in ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI, using dynamic, mechanically-operated small permanent magnet arrays to generate magnetic fields needed for pre-polarisation and spatial encoding. Superconducting magnets make conventional MRI scanners too heavy and expensive for much of the world’s population. ULF MRI instruments offer image contrast mechanisms, are less costly and potentially portable, so can be used in unconventional situations. This project will design, construct and evaluate an instrument capable of three-dimensional 3D ULF-MRI. This technology is expected to be useable in field hospitals and emergency settings, and to benefit fields including magnetic refrigeration and remote sensing.Read moreRead less
Towards direct imaging of neuronal currents with MRI. This project aims to develop novel neuronal current magnetic resonance imaging (nc-MRI) methods that harness the oscillatory behaviour of neuronal magnetic fields. Current methods of detecting neuronal activity in the living human brain have limited spatial and temporal resolution. Use of nc-MRI aims to overcome these limitations by imaging the effects on the MRI signal of small transient magnetic fields associated with neuronal activity. Sig ....Towards direct imaging of neuronal currents with MRI. This project aims to develop novel neuronal current magnetic resonance imaging (nc-MRI) methods that harness the oscillatory behaviour of neuronal magnetic fields. Current methods of detecting neuronal activity in the living human brain have limited spatial and temporal resolution. Use of nc-MRI aims to overcome these limitations by imaging the effects on the MRI signal of small transient magnetic fields associated with neuronal activity. Signal-to-noise ratio is at the limits of detectability using current imaging systems and nc-MRI is yet to be convincingly demonstrated. An integrated framework for simulating nc-MRI in the visual cortex is expected to be developed.Read moreRead less
Rotating Radiofrequency Phased-array for 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This project aims to develop a new type of radiofrequency coil array to ensure high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with all its benefits, is available for a broader range of applications. High-field MRI offers faster scans with more detailed images than lower field systems. This enhanced sensitivity potentially enables smaller structures to be resolved in the body. At high fields, however, standard radiofrequen ....Rotating Radiofrequency Phased-array for 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This project aims to develop a new type of radiofrequency coil array to ensure high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with all its benefits, is available for a broader range of applications. High-field MRI offers faster scans with more detailed images than lower field systems. This enhanced sensitivity potentially enables smaller structures to be resolved in the body. At high fields, however, standard radiofrequency coils, an essential component of MRI systems, can distort images and induce potentially harmful tissue heating. The aim is to design and develop a rotating multi-channel radiofrequency coil array, with dedicated image reconstruction software, to overcome these limitations. This would facilitate detailed images that can be obtained quickly and safely.Read moreRead less
Engineering the Next Generation of Terahertz Laser Imaging Systems. This project aims to develop terahertz imaging systems based on quantum cascade lasers suitable for characterisation of skin, with major implications for early skin cancer detection. Despite advances in treatment regimes, the most significant predictor of skin cancer survivability remains early detection. The project’s approach uses the semiconductor laser in the optical-feedback interferometer configuration, and is designed to ....Engineering the Next Generation of Terahertz Laser Imaging Systems. This project aims to develop terahertz imaging systems based on quantum cascade lasers suitable for characterisation of skin, with major implications for early skin cancer detection. Despite advances in treatment regimes, the most significant predictor of skin cancer survivability remains early detection. The project’s approach uses the semiconductor laser in the optical-feedback interferometer configuration, and is designed to afford significant advantages over conventional terahertz imaging platforms. The project plans to explore new semiconductor physics of a quantum cascade laser under optical feedback, engineer the semiconductor laser-based platform for medical diagnostic applications, and develop supporting numerical techniques.Read moreRead less
Breathing and snoring sound analysis in sleep apnea. About 800,000 Australians suffer from the disease sleep Apnoea (OSA) which has snoring as its earliest symptom. We develop electronics and snore processing algorithms to classify snorers into OSA-positive and OSA-negative classes, based on advanced technology derived from speech recognition systems.
Advancing hybrid imaging with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET). This project aims to increase the utility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) hybrid imaging technology for brain tumour imaging. This project will develop new contrast agents, better ways of measuring their uptake including a new high sensitivity MRI-PET head coil and methods for predicting tumour progression us ....Advancing hybrid imaging with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET). This project aims to increase the utility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) hybrid imaging technology for brain tumour imaging. This project will develop new contrast agents, better ways of measuring their uptake including a new high sensitivity MRI-PET head coil and methods for predicting tumour progression using imaging information.Read moreRead less