MetaN: AI-driven, reconfigurable metamaterial imaging technology for MR

The aim of the AI Center for Health Care project MetaN is to improve the efficiency of MR imaging by using flexible metamaterials that are dynamically optimized using artificial intelligence methods.

From left to right: Valeria Lazzoni, Johannes Mueller, Marc-Oliver Becker.   © Shanice Allerheiligen / U Bremen Research Alliance

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The MetaN project from the UBRA member institutions University of Bremen, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM and Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS aims to improve the efficiency of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The central hypothesis is that the use of metamaterials can achieve an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio, improved image contrast and faster imaging methods without the need for stronger magnetic fields. The metamaterials are to be optimized with the help of AI-supported approaches.

The focus is on developing a method that ensures improved image quality during image acquisition. To this end, dynamically configurable, flexible metamaterials will be developed and tested. These materials are intended to increase imaging efficiency and can be reprogrammed during image acquisition. A particular focus is on the development and testing of prototypes that are optimized using AI and validated in various test series.

For patients, this means potentially faster and more accurate MRI examinations with better image quality. This could lead to more precise diagnoses and shorter examination times, increasing patient acceptance and comfort. In the long term, the new technology could help to improve the spread and accessibility of MRI technologies worldwide and reduce costs.

Project team members

Marc-Oliver Becker
Martina Falchi (University of Pisa)
Dr. Sebastian Boris Hein
Dr. Dennis Philipp
Valeria Lazzoni (University of Pisa)
Johannes Müller

Principal investigators

© Dennis Philipp

Dr. Dennis Philipp

PostDoc at Fraunhofer MEVIS and at the University Bremen

© Fraunhofer IFAM

Dr. Sebastian Boris Hein

Head of the Powder Technology Department at Fraunhofer IFAM

 

Beteiligte Institutionen

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials
Fraunhofer Institute for Medical Image Computing
Universität Bremen

Cooperating in U Bremen Research Alliance:

Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence
In­sti­tute for the Pro­tec­tion of Mar­itime In­fras­truc­tures
German Aerospace Center – Institute of Space Systems
German Maritime Museum
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems and Energy System Technology
Fraunhofer Institute for Medical Image Computing
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology
Leibniz Institute for Material-Oriented Technologies
Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
Universität Bremen
 DE