Using Diffusion Models for Tomographic Imaging

We are looking for students who have a strong background in computational imaging or a related field, while a basic understanding of probability, inference, and generative AI is important. Familiarity in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch is also required.

Project description

Diffusion models have recently revolutionized image generation and are increasingly used as learned priors to recover missing information in inverse imaging problems. Computed Tomography (CT) reconstruction is one such problem, where information loss can occur due to limited measurements, motion, or dose constraints. Applying diffusion models to CT is a promising but non-trivial task, as these models usually require large training datasets, the pretrained models have mostly been trained on natural images or videos, and combining image generation with the physics of CT is not always straightforward. These open several interesting research directions.
In this project, you will choose from a few possible research directions: leveraging off-the-shelf video diffusion models for dynamic CT, noise schedule design for balancing learned prior and physics, or developing diffusion bridges that mimic the progressive CT acquisition process. Other related ideas on these topics are also welcome to discuss. Depending on the chosen direction, the work will either show how existing diffusion models can be leveraged for tomography without large CT datasets, or propose alternative strategies to achieve high-quality reconstructions under limited data conditions.

Supervision & focus areas

Supervisor : Tristan van Leeuwen (CWI),

Keywords : tomographic imaging, inverse problems, diffusion models

CWI partners with startup Raynetics on advanced 3D image reconstruction

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) has partnered with Raynetics, an Amsterdam-based deep-tech startup specializing in AI-driven 3D image reconstruction. As part of this collaboration, CWI group leader Tristan van Leeuwen has joined …

CI Flex lab

Francien Bossema wins KHMW Thesis Award for Interdisciplinary Research 2025

Francien Bossema has been awarded the prestigious KHMW Thesis Award for Interdisciplinary Research 2025 for her PhD research on heritage imaging research conducted at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI).

Francien Bossema with CT scanner

Francien Bossema: "In the museum world, I was the odd one out as a mathematician"

For her PhD research at CWI on heritage imaging research, Francien Bossema won the KHMW Thesis Award for Interdisciplinary Research 2025. On this occasion, the KHMW interviewed her.

Francien Bossema with CT scanner

CWI part of funded food imaging project

A research consortium involving CWI’s Computational Imaging group has been awarded funding through the High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) programme. The project, led by Leiden University, aims to develop advanced imaging …

Green apples being processed in a factory

IMAGINE takes off

Open innovation lab accelerates application of image-guided techniques in cancer.

MR-linac U1, Young investigators, Unity 3

Looking back: the search for Hugo de Groot's book chest

In this series we look back on CWI events and accomplishments that were in the news fairly recently. This episode: the quest for the book chest in which Hugo de Groot escaped …

team-science-2

A peek inside art objects: new algorithm makes CT scan more accessible

An X-ray scanner, some small metal balls, and a newly developed algorithm. That is all you need to make a 3D model that enables you to look inside art objects without dismantling …

Francien Bossema Flex ray lab

The ‘do-it-yourself’ CT scanner

Researchers developed a method to use existing X-ray imaging facilities for CT scanning.

francien flexray