A New Vision for Lymphatic Imaging
Pengfei Song is part of a team led by the University of Alberta, which has received an ARPA-H award to create high-resolution, 3D ultrasound for lymphedema imaging.
Biomedical Imaging & Device Development
Advancing the physics and mathematical theory of imaging, image acquisition and processing, hardware design, and clinical applications
For over half a century, Duke BME has led the field of biomedical imaging, pioneering the development of impactful clinical technologies.
In the past few decades, our faculty have pushed the boundaries of discovery and innovation in optics and photonics (e.g. optical coherence tomography and low-coherence interferometry), ultrasound (e.g. acoustic radiation force impulse based elasticity imaging), MRI, X-ray, and nuclear medicine-based imaging technologies, developing new diagnostic and treatment tools for ailments ranging from cancer to cardiovascular, neurological, and ophthalmic diseases.
Our research efforts span from advancing the physics and mathematical theory of imaging, image acquisition, and image processing to hardware design and clinical applications. We address longstanding problems in development of multi-dimensional and multi-modality imaging systems with unmatched image acquisition speed, resolution, and penetration depth. We investigate development of complex image-guided clinical tools (e.g., autonomous surgical robots) to cheap and robust image diagnostic technologies (e.g., cellphone cameras).
Key Research Areas
- 3D and real-time ultrasound
- Optical coherence tomography
- Photoacoustic tomography
- Cancer screening and treatment
- Computational optics
From Lab Bench to Bedside
There are extensive collaborations between our biomedical imaging faculty and Duke University Medical Center physicians, resulting in the rapid translation of numerous imaging technologies developed at Duke BME to the clinic and commercialization.
Recent Biomedical Imaging and Device Development News
AI-Powered Optical Imaging Helps Surgeons Identify Thyroid Cancer in Real Time
Duke researchers show how Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging can help surgeons identify cancerous tissue during surgery to remove tumors.
A Pocket-Sized Diagnostic with Global Reach
Nimmi Ramanujam and colleagues are bringing AI‑powered cervical imaging to clinics in Kenya and rethink how diagnosis could work everywhere.
Duke’s Nimmi Ramanujam Elected to the National Academy of Engineering
Biomedical engineering professor recognized for pioneering technologies that transform women’s cancer care worldwide.
Wax Named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
Adam Wax received one of the top honors for academic inventors in recognition of his work to translate research in optical spectroscopy to biomedical diagnostics.
OCT Powered by AI-Based Analytics Gives a Glimpse into Wound Healing
Traditional eye imaging technology powered up by new techniques and AI provides a unique in-depth look at wounds as they heal over time.
Associated Faculty
Ashutosh Chilkoti, Ph.D.
Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Al-Hafeez Z Dhalla
Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Sina Farsiu, Ph.D.
Associate Chair for Faculty, Anderson-Rupp Professor of BME
Dr Roarke Horstmeyer
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
G. Allan Johnson
Charles E. Putman University Distinguished Professor of Radiology
David Katz, Ph.D.
Nello L. Teer, Jr. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, in the Edmund T. Pratt, Jr. School of Engineering
Kathy Nightingale, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies, Theo Pilkington Distinguished Professor of BME
Mark L. Palmeri
Professor of the Practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Nimmi Ramanujam, Ph.D.
Robert W. Carr, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Stephen William Smith
Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering
Cynthia Ann Toth
Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology
Gregg Trahey, Ph.D.
Robert Plonsey Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering
Tuan Vo-Dinh, Ph.D.
R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Olaf Von Ramm, Ph.D.
Thomas Lord Distinguished Professor of Engineering
Patrick D. Wolf
Associate Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering
Junjie Yao, Ph.D.
Jeffrey N. Vinik Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Other Research Specialties
Explore additional specialty research areas in Duke BME and throughout the Pratt School of Engineering.