Diffusion Imaging

Fiber tracts recovered from a human brain Diffusion imaging allows us to probe the white matter fiber connectivity of the brain.

Slice of an anisotropy image for a diffusion-tensor atlas Our work in diffusion tensor normalization opens new possibilities for atlas-based techniques in diffusion imaging.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) permits in-vivo measurements of water diffusion and offers new voxel-based markers of tissue microstructure that are amenable to conventional image analysis techniques. In addition, it is possible to infer the orientation of white matter fiber bundles in the brain. The expertise at PICSL covers a range of research areas in diffusion imaging.

Tractography

Tractography methods reconstruct entire fiber tracts from the local fiber-orientation estimates. This capability offers new insights and challenges for image segmentation, where we can segment the brain using connectivity information. We can also use the segmented fiber structures to test hypotheses about the diffusion or other image-based information on a per-tract as well as a per voxel basis.

Spatial normalization

Spatial normalization of diffusion tensor images require new techniques to properly preserve the orientation and scalar properties of diffusion in a manner that is consistent with the underlying anatomy. We have developed methods to register tensor images accurately and efficiently.

Modeling complex fiber architecture

New methods can resolve more complex fiber architecture than the diffusion tensor model.

We are committed to translating methodological advances in diffusion imaging into practical tools for the research community. As part of the OSIRIS group, we provide tools and support for the diffusion imaging community.