Research Summary

Interests

  • MRI-based attenuation correction in PET/MRI
  • Preclinical Imaging
  • Multimodality Imaging
  • High resolution animal imaging
  • CT-based attenuation correction in PET and SPECT
  • Monte Carlo simulation of imaging systems
  • Monte Carlo Simulation of CT Scanner Using MCNP
  • Monte Carlo simulation of X-ray spectra



  • Shielding Design
  • Quality Control of Nuclear Medicine Imaging systems
  • Quantitative Analysis of PET and PET/CT images
  • Medical Image Fusion
  • Image Reconstruction
  • Development of Monte Carlo Simulation Package
  • Monte Carlo Simulation of PET Scanner by Eidolon


Thesis Directed

  • 2022 PhD thesis

    Design and performance evaluation of multi-pinhole collimator in a high-resolution microSPECT system using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2022 MSc thesis

    Generation of Attenuation Map from MR images for Attenuation Correction of PET data in Head Area: Application in dedicated brain PET scanner

  • 2021 PhD thesis

    Quantification and optimization of Xtrim PET preclinical imaging system data via using deep learning methods.

  • 2021 PhD thesis

    : Design and development of quantitative image reconstruction algorithm in dedicated brain PET scanner

  • 2021 PhD thesis

    Quantification and optimization of the effect of preparation, imaging, image processing, and quantitative image analysis parameters on the results of 18F-FDG -PET scan of the breast cancer model (4T1 cell line) in BALB/c mice

  • 2020 PhD thesis

    Proposing a new method based on radiomics modeling for predicting uncomplicated tumor control probability in neoadjoant chemo-radiotherapy rectal cancer using EUS/CT/MRI images

  • 2020 MSc Thesis

    Quantification & calibrations of errors of “SUV” value measurement in PET-CT system: A multicenter study

  • 2020 MSc Thesis

    Quantitative analysis of Radiomics feature in PET-CT for improving diagnosis of benign and malignant in lung cancer

  • 2020 PhD Thesis

    Design, Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Continuous Bed Motion (CBM) micro-PET

  • 2020 PhD Thesis

    A new approach for attenuation correction of SPECT data in the dedicated cardiac ProSPECT scanner using emission data only

  • 2019 PhD Thesis

    Design and optimization of a novel dedicated breast PET scanner based on partial geometry concept using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2019 MSc Thesis

    Quantitative evaluation of the effect of random coincidence rates on the quality of PET images in whole-body imaging

  • 2019 PhD Thesis

    Optimization and improvement the quantitation accuracy in small animal PET imaging system( Xtrim-PET )

  • 2018 PhD Thesis

    Whole Body PET Attenuation correction with Deep convolutional Networks

  • 2018 PhD Thesis

    Design, modeling and performance evaluation of high sensitivity and high resolution dedicated brain positron emission tomography using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2018 MSc Thesis

    Design and evaluation of PET by using of SiPM and continuous crystal based on Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2017, PhD Thesis

    Quantification of the impact of image reconstruction techniques on the accuracy of molecular PET/CT-based treatment planning using radiobiological modeling

  • 2017 PhD Thesis

    Design and Performance Assessment of a Desktop Animal SPECT using Tilted Detectors and Pinhole Collimator

  • 2017 PhD Thesis

    Design and implementation of a PET detection module with positioning and time stamping capability of coincidence photons based on SiPM technology

  • 2016, PhD Thesis

    Design, Optimization, and Performance Evaluation of a Rotating Slit-Hole Collimator for Small-Animal SPECT Imaging

  • 2016, MSc Thesis

    Contraction motion compensation in gated myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging using 3D morphing technique

  • 2015, PhD Thesis

    Development of Molecular PET/CT imaging-based IMRT Treatment Planning and quantification of the impact of image reconstruction algorithms on local tumor control

  • 2015, PhD Thesis

    Design, modeling and performance evaluation of dedicated brain positron emission tomography with high resolution and sensitivity using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2015, PhD Thesis

    Design, modeling and performance evaluation of small animal PETusing Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2014, PhD Thesis

    Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Rotating Slit-Hole Collimator for Small-Animal SPECT Imaging

  • 2014, PhD Thesis

    A Novel hybrid method (protocol design and image segmentation) for generation of attenuation map at 511 keV from MR images in pelvis region for MR-based Attenuation correction in PET/MRI systems

  • 2014, MSc Thesis

    Implementation of quantitative analysis capability on the high resolution SPECT images in HiReSPECT system

  • 2014, MSc Thesis

    Motion compensation in cardiac SPECT imaging

  • 2013, MSc Thesis

    Design and optimization of oncologic imaging protocol in Dsicovery 690 PET/CT scanner based on clinical and phantom study

  • 2013, MSc Thesis

    Evaluation of the benefits of time of flight technique in PET imaging using quantitative and qualitative analysis of clinical and phantom images

  • 2013, MSc Thesis

    Design and Implementation of Performance Evaluation Protocol for PET/CT scanner based on International Standards

  • 2012, MSc Thesis

    Design, modeling and performance evaluation of small animal SPECT device with oblique detectors using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2012, MSc Thesis

    Performance evaluation and optimization of a small field of view gamma camera and gamma probe used for the lymph nodes surgery using experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2012, MSc Thesis

    Quantification and Correction of Metal Artifacts Arising from Pacemaker and ICD Leads in CT-based Attenuation Correction of Cardiac SPECT Imaging

  • 2012, MSc Thesis

    Designing, modeling and performance evaluation of micro-CT for small animal imaging using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2012, MSc Thesis

    Implementation of Attenuation Correction Algorithm For Small Animal SPECT Imaging Using Atlas-Based Methods

  • 2011, MSc Thesis

    Quantification of the influence of misregistration between CT and SPECT images on the accuracy of CT-based attenuation correction of cardiac images in hybrid SPECT/CT systems

  • 2011, MSc Thesis

    Generation of Attenuation Map from MR images for Attenuation-Correction of PET data in Head Area: Focusing on Segmentation of Bone from Air Cavities

  • 2010, PhD Thesis

    Generation of attenuation map for hybrid PET/MRI systems using MRI image segmentation of torso based on bones morphology

  • 2010, PhD Thesis

    Reduction of Respiratory Induced Artifact in PET/CT Imaging Using Virtual Average CT

  • 2010, PhD Thesis

    Improving the Accuracy of Energy mapping algorithm in CT-Based Attenuation Correction of PET data Using Energy Sensitive CT

  • 2010, MSc Thesis

    Quantification of the influence of respiratory and cardiac motion induced mis alignment between CT and PET data of diagnosis accuracy of hart disease in cardiac PET/CT imaging

  • 2009, MSc Thesis

    Design and Performance Evaluation of Small Animal Gamma Camera Detection System Based on Pixelated Crystal Using Monte Carlo Simulation

  • 2009, MSc Thesis

    Modeling and optimization of detection system in multiple head small animal PET scanner using Monte Carlo method

  • 2009, MSc Thesis

    Quantification of Respiratory Induced Artifact in CT- Based Attenuation Correction of PET Data Using NCAT Phantom and Analytic Modeling in Lung Imaging

  • 2008, PhD Thesis

    Monte Carlo Assessment of photonutron contamination in Medical linear Accelerators

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    Reduction of Dental Filling Artifact in CT-Based Attenuation Correction of PET Images

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    A Novel Approach for Implementation of Dual Energy Mapping Technique in CT-Based Attenuation Correction Using Single kVP Imaging: A Feasibility Study

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    Monte Carlo Characterization of Scattered Radiation in 64 Volumetric CT Using GATE

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    Monte Carlo Modeling of RRPET Using GATE

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    Noise Reduction on Ultra Low Dose CT images

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    Dual Energy CT Imaging: Application in CT Based Attenuation Correction in PET ", Supervisor

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    Monte Carlo assessment of the Influence of X-Ray Anode Surface Roughness on X-ray Spectra

  • 2008, MSc Thesis

    CTDI Measurement using gel dosimetry in 64 slice CT scanner

  • 2007, PhD Thesis

    Optimization of dedicated gamma camera for high performance breast tumor imaging using Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2007, MSc Thesis

    Calculation of scatter profile in 64 slice CT scanners using experimental measurement and Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2007, MSc Thesis

    Improvement of image quality and patient’s dose reduction in 64 slice CT scanner by optimization of x-ray spectra filtration using experimental measurement and Monte Carlo simulation

  • 2007, MSc Thesis

    Comparative assessment of different energy mapping methods for generation of attenuation map at 511 keV from CT images in hybrid PET/CT systems

  • 2006, MSc Thesis

    Monte Carlo assessment of the impact of inter crystal scattering on PET scanner’s PSF as a function of crystal size and material

  • 2006, MSc Thesis

    Evaluation of Scatter and Septal Penetration Components in LEGP and HEGP Collimator Using Monte Carlo Simulation

  • 2006, MSc Thesis

    Monte Carlo modeling and performance prediction of slit-slat collimator in low energy SPECT imaging using GATE

  • 2006, MSc Thesis

    Monte Carlo investigation of Time-of-Flight benefits for fully 3D PET

Developed Imaging and Measurement Systems

  • High Resolution Animal SPECT Imaging System (HiReSPECT)

    HiReSPECT provides the highest performance and versatility available to address your preclinical imaging research needs from academic and translational research to drug discovery and development. Small animal imaging is an emerging field which has an impact on various biomedical research areas such as neurology, oncology, cardiology, immunology and infection biology. The Pharmaceutical industries and research centers will profit from SPECT system as they accelerate drug and biomarker development by yielding more reliable in vivo results and cost effective study design. The HiReSPECT is a dual head small animal SPECT imaging system that provides in vivo high resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of physiological functions in small labratory animals.

  • Infra Operative Gamma Camera (SurgoSight)

    Intra-operative Lymphoscintigraphy portable mini gamma camera Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging Medical Imaging Systems Group

  • Gamma Probe (SurgeoGuide)

    Due to high prevalence of breast cancer in females, there are annually lots of breast surgical operations for removal of malignant tumors. However, failure in discovery and removal of cancerous lymph nodes will lead to metastasis of cancer in the patient. Currently, there are some methods with different degrees of accuracy, cost, and ease to detect sentinel nodes. Amongst all of them, the most common and the most favorite device for surgeons is “Gamma Probe” providing an easy-to-use small hand-held tool with the capability of detection and localization of sentinel lymph nodes not only in breast cancer but also for some masculine types of cancers where detection of sentinel nodes is mandatory. We developed such a gamma probe system in two models: SURGEOGUIDE and SURGEOGUIDE II. Both models passed international certificates and have Iran MOH production license.

  • Urea Breath Test System, UBT (HeliGuide)

    Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative spirally shaped bacteria that exclusively exists in the mucosa of the stomach, particularly in the antrum. Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis which in turn can lead to ulcers and eventually cancer. Hp-infection can be confirmed with different methods and tests such as gastroscopy, Urea Breath Tests (UBT), stool-antigen and serology. UBT is recommended by European Helicobacter pylori experts as the first choice and the most reliable non-invasive test for diagnosing an active infection as well as for follow-up of eradication of infection. The HeliGuide System works with the 14C isotope as a label. It is a completely “dry” method built around two key components; a single use disposable breath-collecting unit called BreathCard, and a 14CO2 breath analyzer, called HeliGuide Analyzer.

  • Dedicated Cardiac SPECT Imaging System (RoboSPECT)

    Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) to assess bodily functions and diagnose and treat disease. The most widely used filed in nuclear medicine is cardiac SPECT imaging that provides the information to diagnose the prognosis of coronary artery disease and heart muscle damage following an infarction.The RoboSPECT system is designed and developed for dedicated cardiac SPECT imaging. The RoboSPECT system uses three swivel motors delivering the robotic movements and providing the circular and noncircular SPECT movement. This design has some advantages including decreasing patient-to-detector distance during scan, open gantry design to avoid intimidating patients, and increasing the durability due to use of rotational arm instead of linear movement.

  • Cardiac SPECT Imaging:ProSPECT Model

    Cardiac imaging has become an integrated part in the diagnostic and prognostic work-up of patients with cardiovasular disease. We designed and developed a dedicated cardiac SPECT system for cardiac imaging called ProSPECT. The ProSPECT scanner designed with patient’s comport in mind. The scanner provides both supine and prone imaging with a small footprint. The system increases patient’s comport specially patients with claustrophobia disorder because the patient’s head comes out of the bore of gantry during the scanning process. This dedicated cardiac imaging system introduces an optimized FOV to minimize inappropriate activity uptake of other organs.

  • High Resolution Animal PET Imaging System (Xtim PET)

    High Performance and Versatility for Your Preclinical Imaging Research Needs Over the past two decades, growing interest in using animal models of human disease has led to great advances in translational sciences. in line with this trend, noninvasive preclinical PET imaging systems are well-known for their superior capabilities in adopting molecular and cellular researches. Technology PNP preclinical solutions are removing the limits on driving medical research...

  • Whole body SPECT Imaging System

  • All in one Gamma Probe(Gamma Pen)


International and National Patent

  • 2020

    US patent, Pn 15829808, Peak detection in a two dimensional image

    An improved method for peak detection in a two-dimensional image is disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes one or more of the following steps: generating a smooth image from the two-dimensional image, detecting a plurality of local peaks in the smooth image, detecting a plurality of true peaks among the plurality of local peaks, and generating a peak-detected image from the smooth image. The smooth image includes a plurality of pixels, where each pixel of the plurality of pixels has an intensity level and an address. The address includes a row number and a column number. The peak-detected image includes a first true peaks subset from the plurality of true peaks. In one implementation, the intensity level of each true peak of the first true peaks subset is higher than an intensity threshold. The method further includes localizing at least one true peak of the first true peaks subset in the peak …

  • 2019

    Us patent, A n 16533820, Altering paths of optical photons passing through a scintillator

    This application claims the benefit of priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/716,354, filed on Aug. 8, 2018, and entitled “MONOLITHIC SCINTILLATION CRYSTAL EQUIPPED A BELT OF SPHERICAL REFLECTORS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  • 2019

    Us Patent , Application No US16/746,447,Normalization of a positron emission tomography scanner

    A method for normalization of a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner. The PET scanner includes a plurality of blocks. Each of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of rows. Each of the plurality of rows includes a plurality of actual detectors and an unused area. The method includes acquiring a plurality of lines of response (LORs) by scanning a normalization phantom, obtaining a plurality of actual counts by extracting a plurality of LORs subsets from the plurality of LORs and counting a number of elements in each LORs subset, generating a plurality of virtual detectors in each of the plurality of rows by assigning the unused area to the plurality of virtual detectors, generating a count profile for the plurality of actual detectors, estimating a plurality of virtual counts based on the count profile, and applying a normalization process on the plurality of blocks.

  • 2018

    US patent, Pn 15847809, Positron range reduction in positron emission tomography imaging

    Methods and systems are disclosed, including a method for confining an annihilation range of a positron, from a plurality of positrons emitted from an object being imaged in a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system. Confining the annihilation includes applying a stochastic multidimensional time varying magnetic field on the positron. Optionally, the stochastic multidimensional time varying magnetic field includes components in each of three dimensions.

  • 2018

    US patent, Pn 9986960, Robotic system for SPECT imaging

    A robotic arm, movable in three rotational degrees of freedom has a base end and a distal end supporting SPECT imaging detectors. A patient support assembly is movable in a linear degree of freedom. A controller causes the robotic arm to move the SPECT imaging detectors, in three dimensions, around the patient's body to obtain SPECT images. The control causes the patient support assembly to move along the linear degree of freedom, maintaining alignment of the patient's body with the SPECT imaging detectors

  • 2018

    Us patent, Pn 15920426, Single photon emission computed tomography imaging with a spinning parallel-slat collimator

    A method and a system for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging capable of performing a rapid acquisition of imaging data. The SPECT imaging system, placed at a fixed radial distance from the center of an object being imaged, includes a gamma detector and a collimator. The collimator, mounted on the gamma detector, includes a plurality of parallel slats, each perpendicular to the surface of the gamma detector. The method implemented by this system rapidly reconstructs a high-resolution and high-sensitivity image.

  • 2017

    US patent, Desktop open-gantry spect imaging system

    An open-gantry structure of SPECT imaging system for scanning human small organs or small animals and method for preparing the system is disclosed. The system contains an imaging desk that one or multiple detector heads are rotated around the object to be scanned while tilted under the imaging desk and dedicated image reconstruction algorithm was developed for the system in case of applying single pinhole collimator.

  • 2013

    US Patent, Pub. No. US 8,503,748 B2, Non Linear Recursive Filter for Medical Image Processing

    A new system and method for medical image processing using a nonlinear recursive filter are disclosed. An input signal including two or more pulses received from a medical imaging system is sampled at a predetermined sampling rate. The maximum magnitude, ie, peak, and/or the occurrence time of the maximum magnitude of the first pulse of the input signal is/are determined using a nonlinear recursive filter. Predicted magnitude values of the tail of the first pulse can be determined and subtracted from the input signal to correct for pileup before determining the maximum magnitude and/or occurrence time of the next pulses. A medical image can be reconstructed using the determined maximum magnitudes and/or the occurrence times of the maximum magnitudes of the pulses of the input signal. The nonlinear recursive filter can be implemented using one or more look-up tables.

  • 2003

    Iran Patent 2013/80617.Adjustable FOV for Rat and Mice Imaging In HIReSPECT scanner

  • 2003

    Iran Patent 2013/80821,A Filter for Processing of High Count Rate Detectors.

  • 2003

    Iran Patent 2013/82892, Reaolution Recovery Reconstruction in Animal SPECT system.


Developed Packages

  • M.R. Ay et al. MCNP4C-based Monte Carlo simulator for fan- and cone-beam x-ray CT, Presented in 14th International Conference of Medical Physics (ICMP 2005). Nuremberg, Germany, Sept. 14-17

  • M.R. Ay et al. Monte Carlo Simulation Package for Scintillation Cameras Operation in Single photon and Coincidence Imaging mode, Presented in Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine(EANM03), 2003, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • M.R. Ay et al. Implementation of an X-ray Spectra Database in Diagnostic Radiology Energy Range Based on all computational Models

  • M.R. Ay et al. Implementation of an X-ray Spectra Database in Mammography Energy Range Based on all computational Models