Prof. Dr. Franz Pfeiffer
- Phone
- +49 89 289-10827
+49 89 289-12551 - Room
- 2093
- franz.pfeiffer@tum.de
- Links
-
Homepage
Page in TUMonline
- Groups
- Biomedical Physics
Institute of Radiology - Job Titles
- Director Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE)
- Professorship on Biomedical Physics
- Deputy Head of the Examination Board for the M.Sc. program Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
Courses and Dates
Offered Bachelor’s or Master’s Theses Topics
- AI in Physics: Convolutional neural networks for dark-field X-ray CT reconstruction
Grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging uses scattering of X-rays to create an image of an object, rather than conventional X-ray attenuation. The combination of X-ray scattering with imaging allows us to map information about structures that are much smaller than the resolution of the imaging system over a large field of view. X-ray dark-field imaging can be combined with computed tomography (CT) to create three-dimensional images of the scattering distribution inside an object. DF-CT was recently implemented for the first time into a clinical CT here at TUM
(https://www.bioengineering.tum.de/en/news/details/new-technology-for-clinical-ct-scans).
The goal of this project is to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to remove sampling artefacts in DF-CT images. Due to the unavailability of training data from the DF-CT machine, a technologically similar experimental setup and apply transfer learning will be used. The student will acquire, process and prepare training data, as well as train and apply CNNs.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing
For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- AI in Physics: Convolutional neural networks for dark-field X-ray CT reconstruction
Grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging uses scattering of X-rays to create an image of an object, rather than conventional X-ray attenuation. The combination of X-ray scattering with imaging allows us to map information about structures that are much smaller than the resolution of the imaging system over a large field of view. X-ray dark-field imaging can be combined with computed tomography (CT) to create three-dimensional images of the scattering distribution inside an object. DF-CT was recently implemented for the first time into a clinical CT here at TUM (https://www.bioengineering.tum.de/en/news/details/new-technology-for-clinical-ct-scans). The goal of this project is to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to remove sampling artefacts in DF-CT images. Due to the unavailability of training data from the DF-CT machine, a technologically similar experimental setup and apply transfer learning will be used. The student will acquire, process and prepare training data, as well as train and apply CNNs. Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Advanced image processing for clinical applications
Dark-field radiography exploits the scattering of X-rays to visualize structures below the resolution limit. Currently, several initial clinical patient studies are underway on a worldwide first prototype we recently realized at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the framework of this project, the special algorithms for image post-processing of these first clinical data will be further optimized and used together with the participating radiologists for the evaluation of better direction of lung diseases.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing
For more information, please contact: Rafael Schick (rafael.schick@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Advanced image processing for clinical applications
Dark-field radiography exploits the scattering of X-rays to visualize structures below the resolution limit. Currently, several initial clinical patient studies are underway on a worldwide first prototype we recently realized at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the framework of this project, the special algorithms for image post-processing of these first clinical data will be further optimized and used together with the participating radiologists for the evaluation of better direction of lung diseases.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing
For more information, please contact: Rafael Schick (rafael.schick@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Development of registration algorithms for the analysis of functional lung images
Dark-field radiography exploits the scattering of X-rays to reveal structures in lung tissue that cannot be visualized with conventional imaging. Currently, several initial clinical patient studies are underway on a worldwide first prototype we recently realized at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the scope of this project, special registration algorithms are to be developed that can register thorax images in inhalation and exhalation and allow local differences between ventilation states (for example in certain lung diseases).Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing
For more information, please contact: Rafael Schick (rafael.schick@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Development of registration algorithms for the analysis of functional lung images
Dark-field radiography exploits the scattering of X-rays to reveal structures in lung tissue that cannot be visualized with conventional imaging. Currently, several initial clinical patient studies are underway on a worldwide first prototype we recently realized at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the scope of this project, special registration algorithms are to be developed that can register thorax images in inhalation and exhalation and allow local differences between ventilation states (for example in certain lung diseases).
Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing
For more information, please contact: Rafael Schick (rafael.schick@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Monte Carlo based simulation of Compton scattering
Dark-field radiography is a novel X-ray imaging technique that is being tested for the first time in clinical patient studies on a worldwide first prototype recently completed by us at the TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the scope of this project, Monte Carlo based Compton simulations will be developed, which will allow an exact modelling of the Compton scattering and thus a better correction of the image artifacts.
Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & computational physics (50%).
For more information, please contact: Theresa Urban (theresa.urban@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field Chest X-ray Imaging: Monte Carlo based simulation of Compton scattering
Dark-field radiography is a novel X-ray imaging technique that is being tested for the first time in clinical patient studies on a worldwide first prototype recently completed by us at the TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar. Within the scope of this project, Monte Carlo based Compton simulations will be developed, which will allow an exact modelling of the Compton scattering and thus a better correction of the image artifacts.
Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & computational physics (50%).
For more information, please contact: Theresa Urban (theresa.urban@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field X-ray microCT: Pre-clinical research on improved lung disease detection
Dark-field computed tomography uses the wave property of X-rays to provide complementary contrasts in X-ray imaging. In this project, an existing prototype for dark-field CT in mice will be used to explore the use of dark-field contrast in pre-clinical research for improved detection of lung diseases in collaboration with the Helmholtz Center for Health. In addition to experimental work to support the conduct of the preclinical studies, algorithmic research to reduce image noise and dose is planned.
Character of thesis work: experimental medical physics (60%) & image processing (40%).
For more information, please contact: Benedikt Guenther (benedikt.guenther@mytum.de), Simon Zandarco (simon.zandarco@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Dark-field X-ray microCT: Pre-clinical research on improved lung disease detection
Dark-field computed tomography uses the wave property of X-rays to provide complementary contrasts in X-ray imaging. In this project, an existing prototype for dark-field CT in mice will be used to explore the use of dark-field contrast in pre-clinical research for improved detection of lung diseases in collaboration with the Helmholtz Center for Health. In addition to experimental work to support the conduct of the preclinical studies, algorithmic research to reduce image noise and dose is planned.
Character of thesis work: experimental medical physics (60%) & image processing (40%).
For more information, please contact: Benedikt Guenther (benedikt.guenther@mytum.de), Simon Zandarco (simon.zandarco@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de).
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Munich Compact Light Source: Development of an algorithmic framework for high-sensitivity grating-based phase-contrast imaging
Using phase-contrast as alternative imaging contrast for X-rays can considerably improve the imaging results for biomedical specimens. This project will focus on the development of an algorithmic framework for a high-sensitivity and high-resolution grating-based phase-contrast micro-tomography setup at the Munich Compact Light Source for investigating soft-tissue biomedical samples, such biopsies.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing/ reconstruction)
For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Brantl (johannes.brantl@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Munich Compact Light Source: Development of an algorithmic framework for high-sensitivity grating-based phase-contrast imaging
Using phase-contrast as alternative imaging contrast for X-rays can considerably improve the imaging results for biomedical specimens. This project will focus on the development of an algorithmic framework for a high-sensitivity and high-resolution grating-based phase-contrast micro-tomography setup at the Munich Compact Light Source for investigating soft-tissue biomedical samples, such biopsies.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing/ reconstruction)
For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Brantl (johannes.brantl@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Munich Compact Light Source: Distortion correction for high-resolution quantitative X-ray imaging detectors
X-ray imaging detectors - in particular for high-resolution microscopy applications - may suffer from distortions, which degrade the image quality. This can have severe negative effects for quantitative applications, such as 3D micro-computed tomography. This project focuses on the characterisation of distortions of several X-ray imaging detectors at the Munich Compact Light Source, and the subsequent development of suitable correction methods.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing)
For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Melcher (johannes.melcher@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Munich Compact Light Source: Distortion correction for high-resolution quantitative X-ray imaging detectors
X-ray imaging detectors - in particular for high-resolution microscopy applications - may suffer from distortions, which degrade the image quality. This can have severe negative effects for quantitative applications, such as 3D micro-computed tomography. This project focuses on the characterisation of distortions of several X-ray imaging detectors at the Munich Compact Light Source, and the subsequent development of suitable correction methods.
Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing)
For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Melcher (johannes.melcher@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Spectral photon counting X-ray detectors: Application to panoramic and cone-beam dental CT imaging
This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the image quality in 3D (cone-beam CT) dental imaging applications. More specifically, the project aims at the experimental evaluation of the potential benefits of applying spectral material decomposition for dental CT application. The work will include preclinical experiments using dedicated anthropomorphic head phantoms and subsequent image analysis and interpretation. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and with an external industrial collaborator located in the Munich area.
Character of thesis work: experimental physics (30%) & image processing (70%)
For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Spectral photon counting X-ray detectors: Application to panoramic and cone-beam dental CT imaging
This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the image quality in 3D (cone-beam CT) dental imaging applications. More specifically, the project aims at the experimental evaluation of the potential benefits of applying spectral material decomposition for dental CT application. The work will include preclinical experiments using dedicated anthropomorphic head phantoms and subsequent image analysis and interpretation. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and with an external industrial collaborator located in the Munich area.
Character of thesis work: experimental physics (30%) & image processing (70%)
For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Spectral photon counting X-ray detectors: Characterisation of detector performance
Hybrid pixel photon-counting detectors have been developed in the past in high-energy physics and are currently used in various medical imaging applications. They offer higher spatial resolution and additional energy resolution and therefore have significant potential for future improvements in radiography and CT. This work will investigate some basic physical properties of the detectors and, in particular, explore the response of such detectors to oblique radiation, which is very important for some spectral imaging applications.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with external partners from industry.
Character of the work: experimental physics (70%) & image processing (30%).
For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer
- Spectral photon counting X-ray detectors: Characterisation of detector performance
Hybrid pixel photon-counting detectors have been developed in the past in high-energy physics and are currently used in various medical imaging applications. They offer higher spatial resolution and additional energy resolution and therefore have significant potential for future improvements in radiography and CT. This work will investigate some basic physical properties of the detectors and, in particular, explore the response of such detectors to oblique radiation, which is very important for some spectral imaging applications.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with external partners from industry.
Character of the work: experimental physics (70%) & image processing (30%).
For more information, please contact: Daniel Berthe (daniel.berthe@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de)
- suitable as
- Master’s Thesis Applied and Engineering Physics
- Supervisor: Franz Pfeiffer