News extracted from UJI
Specifically, the objective of the project is the development of new devices for obtaining multidimensional biomedical optical images, which allow the detection and mapping of light absorption and scattering, as well as fluorescence, in biological tissues using visible and near-infrared light. The additional ability to measure these parameters with respect to dimensions that the human eye cannot perceive, such as time and wavelength, along with space, increases the diagnostic capability of biomedical devices.
Thanks to the use of microdisplays like those employed in consumer electronics video projection systems, the CONcISE network aims to develop new devices that will enable image compression during measurement. “This change brings an innovative approach and a step forward in obtaining biomedical images with more effective and efficient devices,” explains the research team.
Surprisingly, images are captured with a single pixel, unlike the millions that conventional cameras integrate, which allows for the application of innovative detection strategies, such as “compressed sensing,” achieving compression rates above 90% and thus reducing the need for massive data storage.
This strategy also allows the integration of information not perceptible to the human eye into the image capture, such as the polarization of radiation, which contains very rich information for clinical diagnosis.
The consortium, comprising specialists in computational, experimental, and industrial fields from different European countries, aims to train eleven new PhD candidates in this highly complex and potential-rich field, providing advanced and multidisciplinary training that covers all aspects of biomedical imaging science: modeling, design, development, data analysis, validation, and translation to application.
The team from the public university of Castellón, led by Professor of Optics Jesús Lancis, also includes researcher Enrique Tajahuerce and PhD students Heberley Tobón and Samuel Zapata, all members of the Castelló Optics Group, integrated into the Institute of New Imaging Technologies.
On one hand, SMART-DOTE aims to map in 3D the absorption and scattering of light at different wavelengths in thick biological tissues simultaneously, paving the way for the design of new types of imaging systems such as optical mammography and functional brain imaging.
SMART-FLUO is a system more clinically oriented towards obtaining quantitative endoscopic fluorescence images that can be used during surgery guided by exogenous contrast agents.
Finally, SMART-2PM aims to obtain high-resolution images of biological samples with nonlinear microscopy to improve the fundamental balance between penetration depth, sensitivity, and imaging speed by simultaneously applying adaptive optics and computational imaging strategies.
CONcISE (COmputatioNal Imaging as training Network for Smart biomedical dEvices) is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) of the Horizon Europe program and led by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche of Italy. It brings together eight beneficiaries: Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnologies (IFN)-Italy; University of Eastern Finland (UEF); the Italian SME Datrix; University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA); Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI); UJI; Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) of the Netherlands; and the company FYLA, along with four associated partners: University College London (UCL), ViALUX GmbH, Intuitive Surgical, and accelopment Schweiz AG (accelCH).
More information: CONcISE Project
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