SUMMARY
The research of Lifeng Yu, Ph.D., centers on X-ray CT physics and clinical applications. This includes radiation dose optimization, image quality assessment, multi-energy and photon-counting-detector CT, and AI applications in CT image formation.
Focus areas
- CT acquisition and reconstruction methods. Dr. Yu has developed many new tools and reconstruction algorithms to improve CT acquisition, optimize image quality and reduce radiation dose.
- Multi-energy and photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT). Dr. Yu's research focuses on development and clinical translation of multi-energy and PCD-CT to improve spatial resolution and quantification accuracy of CT imaging.
- Task-based image quality evaluation. He develops quantitative and objective methods for image quality assessment, including model observers and virtual clinical trial frameworks for deep-learning reconstruction and noise reduction methods.
- AI applications in CT image formation. Dr. Yu has been developing deep-learning-based reconstruction and noise reduction methods to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose in CT.
- Novel CT clinical applications. Dr. Yu has multiple research projects in collaboration with radiologists and clinicians. These projects include pediatric, neuro, thoracic and abdominal imaging.
Significance to patient care
X-ray CT is an invaluable imaging tool for screening, diagnosis, and treatment planning of people's diseases or injuries. Dr. Yu researches refining CT imaging by increasing scan speed, enhancing spatial resolution and improving image quality. This is done while minimizing radiation exposure to better the benefit-to-risk ratio for people getting CT scans. Recent advances and clinical translation of multi-energy and PCD-CT, along with deep-learning-based techniques, offer more accurate and reliable imaging for individuals care. Dr. Yu is the primary inventor of multiple technologies that have been commercially licensed, including automatic tube potential selection, basis-material decomposition and multiple noise reduction algorithms.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Physics committee, Radiological Society of North America, 2023-present.
- International Society for Optics and Photonics:
- Fellow, 2023-present.
- Chair, Physics of Medical Imaging Conference, 2021-2023.
- American Association of Physicists in Medicine:
- Chair, CT subcommittee, 2021-present.
- Fellow, 2018-present.
- Member, International Electrotechnical Commission CT Standards, 2016-present.
- Reese-Hartman Award, Carmen Award for Excellence in Research, Mayo Clinic, 2012.